Rookie Elevates Game to First Line

As we reach just past halfway in the SMJHL's 45th Season, our spotlight on Collin "Professor" Gibbles continues. Gibble's rookie season playing for the Anaheim Outlaws has been a tale of triumph. Gibbles was Anaheim's pick in the second round of the draft. Following a successful training camp, Gibbles found himself on the second line on the Left Wing. While normally a Right Wing, Gibbles simply took his new assignment in stride. Gibbles fell into a familiar rhythm on his new team; scoring 2 Goals and 10 Assists in his first 23 games, Gibbles had begun to adapt his game to the new league. While not the same pace as he had in previous leagues, many player's production slows while getting used to the SMJHL.

-"I've just been focused on playing my part on this team. I've been making extra time to bond with my new teammates and learn from the veteran leadership leading the charge. We've got a great group of guys here and we want to blow expectations out of the water. Anaheim has really started to feel like home." said Gibbles following a Game 21 win against the St. Louis Scarecrows.

Through 23 Games, The Outlaws had amassed a record of 11-10-2 and were finding themselves in the lower middle of the standings. Gibbles had seemed to slide into place in the Outlaw Posse and was hoping for a real breakthrough.


On the morning of Game 24, Gibbles got a call from head office to head down to the Outlaw Saloon Arena early to meet with management. GM Dangles and team ownership informed Gibbles that he would be moved up to the first line with newly acquired Center Derek Bohne and team Captain Hiro Fujikawa. News was broken to the press later that day. We here at the Gazette attempted to reach out to Gibbles on the promotion but were told by his agent that there would be no comment other than to quote childhood hero Macho Man Randy Savage. "The cream will always rise to the top"

-"Gibbles has been playing well and doing the right things in practices, which is what we want to see from young players. Collin is a very smart young player and makes smart plays and we feel that he would fit in well with Fujikawa which is why we drafted him in the first place." - Anaheim GM Dangles on his decision to move Gibbles to the first line.

With a huge chance to prove he belongs, Gibbles attacked the next two games with a new energy. In his first line debut, Gibbles scored a goal and assist leading the Outlaws to a 4-3 Win over the Detroit Falcons. His efforts did not go unnoticed as he was awarded the first start of the game. While the Outlaws would drop the next game to Anchorage, Gibbles still put up one assist to keep a point streak going. GM Dangles hopes to light a fire under the first line seems to have worked so far. With just two games the line combined for 7 points. Gibbles has expressed interest in learning from his new linemate Bohne, a former Ron Bolt Trophy winner, on how to conduct himself on and off the ice.

With the second half of the season left, we will watch Gibbles in hopes that he becomes the breakout rookie of his draft class. He is currently 3rd in rookie scoring with 17 points. With all cylinders firing, Gibbles hunt for the Esa Anrikkanen Trophy will be a thrill to watch.

-Grand Nugent - GR Gazette

     

Go get the Esa Anrikkanen!

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