Gibson goes with the flow
Wyatt Gibson is a glass half-full kind of guy.
The 17-year-old, Grade 12 student at E.L. Crossley looked upon the situation favourably when he was recently dealt from the St. Catharines Falcons to the Thorold Blackhawks.
“It was obviously mixed emotions,” the shifty forward said. “Being traded it’s going to be tough at first but you want to look at the positives in everything that happens.
“It’s a great opportunity for me here. I’m happy so far with everything — the ice time, the guys are great in the room — it’s a great step for me, a step in the right direction as far as advancing my hockey career past junior.”
Gibson collected a goal and three points in limited duty with the Falcons over 14 games, but already has four points in his first seven contests with the Blackhawks.
“It was definitely a different role coming into the Falcons, something I’ve not been used to in the past,” said Gibson, who finished second in scoring behind Barrie Colts draft pick Tai York in 2019-20 with the Niagara North Stars U16 AAA. “I’ve been leaned on in my minor hockey career and had to adapt to a new role and adapt to a new style of game but it was definitely fun on the Falcons winning games.
“It was a great organization and a good group of guys as well but the Blackhawks is a good opportunity for me.”
Thorold coach Scott Barnes picked up Wyatt as part of a deal for captain Nicholas Rubino.
“He was a guy we targeted,” Barnes said. “I knew he wasn’t a big part of their lineup now and I knew him from his minor hockey days and someone we wanted to acquire.”
Barnes has been more that satisfied with Gibson so far.
“I think he’s got really good offensive instincts,” Barnes said. “He can shoot the puck and make plays. Bringing him in I kind of knew what he had offensively but what I’ve been impressed with is his read of the game and defensively, his awareness. He plays a solid, 200-foot game.”
Gibson admits it has been a big jump to junior — particularly after not playing last season due to the COVID pandemic.
“The speed is definitely a lot different,” he said. “Just having the time and space. Once you get the puck it’s got to be off your stick and I’ve learned to get my feet moving and get my head up as soon as I get it and make a play as quickly as possible.”
Gibson said he attempted to keep a good attitude last year despite missing out on what would have been his first season of junior eligibility.
“It was really difficult but if you just stick to the process with anything that happens the results will come,” he said. “It was tough not playing last season but if you look at the positive side of things I think you’ll get through it.”
Barnes has recently had Gibson playing on a line with Sam Tonelli and Adrian Diodati.
“They had a real good game against Pelham,” Barnes said. “It’s kind of younger line but there is some familiarity between them all. They all know each other and they all bring different elements.
“We’re hoping that line can become a good offensive force for us. I know they’re young but they’re going to get to get lots of experience here coming up.”
Wyatt had the lone goal Monday as the Hawks dropped a 4-1 decision at home to the Fort Erie Meteors in Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League action.
Hawk talk: Cooper Lobsinger has been named captain of the Hawks with the trade of Rubino . . . Welland at Hamilton was postponed Monday due to COVID protocol within the Welland organization.
Meteors 4 Blackhawks 1
Fort Erie forward Owen Kelley with a goal and an assist.
For the Thorold Blackhawks: Wyatt Gibson (3).
For the Fort Erie Meteors: Kelley (5); Marcus Regina (8); Jayden Baldinelli (4); Doug Doren (2).
Game stats: Shots on goal: By Thorold on Duncan Nicols-Delay (30), Fort Erie on Noah Fortuna (41); Power plays: Thorold 1-for-4, Fort Erie 1-for-3; Penalty minutes: Thorold 22, Fort Erie 14.
Up next: The league takes a break this week for Christmas. The Hawks are back in action Monday, Jan. 3 when they play host to the Welland Junior Canadians. The Meteors are at Pelham Sunday, Jan. 2.
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