SUDBURY, Ont. – Former Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) standout defenceman Andrew Gibson was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round, 42nd overall, in Day 2 of the National Hockey League Draft in Nashville, Tenn.
The 18-year-old Gibson spent the 2021-22 campaign with the Soo Thunderbirds where he went on to be to named the NOJHL’s best defenceman award recipient as well as being tabbed a league first team all-star on defence.
He entered the event slotted 31st overall, among North American skaters, in the final NHL Central Scouting draft rankings.
His 51 points topped all NOJHL blueliners as did his 21 tallies and his 30 power play points. Gibson’s also paced all league rearguards in man advantage goals and assists with nine and 21 respectively.
The efforts of the LaSalle, Ont., product was helping the Thunderbirds win the league championship and earn a berth to the Centennial Cup.
Among the other accomplishments for him was being named the NOJHL’s defenseman of the month for February 2022.
Another former member of that Thunderbirds’ squad, in centre Cooper Foster, was taken in the sixth round, 174th overall, by the Pittsburgh Penguins, before the NHL Draft concluded.
“The development model continually put forth by our league and member clubs continues to pay dividends with Andrew and Cooper’s selections in the NHL Draft,” offered NOJHL commissioner Robert Mazzuca.
“The efforts of our teams, in terms of scouting and recruiting talent to help them advance to the next level, bodes well for the overall success of the NOJHL and certainly enhances our goals in having top-end talent compete in our league,” added Mazzuca.
Photo credit: Thomas Perry / Timmins Daily Press
