Brian Gibbons
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Birthday:
1988-02-26 |
Position:
C |
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Eligible for draft:
2006 |
Shoots:
Left |
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Drafted:
|
Height:
5-8 |
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Acquired:
Free agent signing, 2011 |
Weight:
170 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- C
History
Brian Gibbons played Division I NE Prep high school hockey with Thayer Academy. Gibbons had 36 pts total (17g, 19a) and 32 penalty minutes in 20 games during the 2005-06 season.Gibbons recently participated in the 2006 New England Pro-Am Hockey Pre-Draft Showcase. He led all players with 14 points in 6 games (7g, 7a), with two powerplay goals and two game winning goals.
2007-08: In his freshman season, Gibbons posted a solid 13 goals and 22 assists in 43 games. He was also instrumental in the Boston College Eagles run to the Final Four championship.
2008-09: In a down year for Boston College, Gibbons still managed a solid 9 goals and 19 assists in 36 games. He also saw a developed a lot more sandpaper to his game, registering 52 penalty minutes.
2009-10: As a junior, Gibbons had a breakout season and was among the top offensive players in the nation, posting 16 goals and 34 points in 42 games. He also managed 78 penalty minutes. He also was once again instrumental in another Frozen Four Championship run for Boston College.
2010-11: In his senior season Gibbons managed 18 goals and 33 assists in 39 games. Upon finishing his season, he signed an entry-level deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
2011-12: Gibbons skated in 70 games for Penguins' AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in his first pro season. He scored 11 goals with 19 assists and was plus-four with 26 penalty minutes. After finishing second to Norfolk in the East Division, the Penguins reached the second round of the AHL playoffs. Gibbons saw limited ice time in the playoffs, appearing in 9 of 12 games and finishing minus-three with no points and 8 penalty minutes.
Talent Analysis
Brian Gibbons is an immensely talented forward who at the professional level must overcome a huge obstacle: his small stature. Liberally listed at 5'8, Gibbons possesses good passing and hands to be an offensively dynamic player. He is also a willing combatant down low and is very good at cycling the puck. Like many players his size though, he has a lot of difficulties winning 50/50 battles in the corners, and is often too easily pushed off the puck. He also could stand to upgrade his speed and explosiveness.
Future
Gibbons will continue to carve out a role with the Penguins AHL affiliate. Long-term he could develop into a serviceable middle of the lineup forward, though it is just as possible he remains a career AHL player.
