If LaSalle's Andrew Gibson has been dreaming for the past couple of week he doesn't want anyone to wake him up. The 18-year old was drafted by his favourite NHL team the Detroit Red Wings and got to feel like a pro player during their recent Development Camp. "It was a great experience." said the Soo Greyhounds defenceman with a beaming smile.
"I've dreamed of this. Seeing what the pros do, being professional that week, going through everything. Off-ice and on-ice. Having all those outlets, all the recovery stuff you need. Nutrition. Sleep. We went through all that. Lots of presentations. It was a great experience overall.
Gibson was limited to 45 games this past season in the Soo because of injury. He returned this spring for the final seven games of the season before competing for Team Canada at the U18 World Championship in Switzerland. Gibson assisted on two goals in the bronze medal game to help Canada beat Slovakia 4-3.
In Detroit, Gibson got to share the ice with a childhood hero. "Nik Kronwall on the ice. Growing up in Windsor watching him going across watching Detroit play, see Kronwall killing guys and then to see him on the ice with you just putting you through the ropes. It's pretty cool."
Living so close to the LCA, Gibson will have an opportunity to train with the Wings this summer. "I'm gonna drive over there everyday and work with their coaches." Gibson said. "Work with their guys. Just get better and next year going into the Soo it's a big year for me. I'm expecting big things of myself and I'm expecting big things for the team and it should be a great year."
See Gibson at camp in the video below.