John Gibson’s Team USA Debut Gets Spoiled

Anaheim Ducks top goaltending prospect John Gibson made his Team USA debut today in the 2012 World Junior Championship. Unfortunately, Team USA lost 4-1 to Team Finland.

Team USA was heading into the third with a 1 goal deficit when they finally got on the board.  Brandon Saad cashed in from in tight after retrieving from pass from Emerson Etem for his first goal of the tournament. The Fins retaliated with 3 unanswered goals.

Gibson allowed 3 goals on 18 shots in the third period alone. He was filling in for Jack Campbell, who played against Denmark and led the team to an 11-3 domination. 

Gibson takes most of the blame for the loss:

"“I thought I could have been better,” Gibson said. “I take responsibility for that one. I let some soft ones in there and wasn’t on my game tonight.”“There’s a lot of pressure on every game [to win] and you want to win every game. Now, we’re in a situation where we have to win every game or else we might not have a chance.”"

Unfortunately, Gibson probably won’t get another start this tournament unless something happens to Campbell.

Gibson was drafted 39th overall by the Ducks in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He is currently in his first season with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. In six games with the Rangers, Gibson is 4-2-0 with a 2.34 GAA and .926 save percentage.

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