Anaheim Ducks Prospect Gibson Named to Preliminary Roster for 2013 U.S. National Junior Team
By Sean
John Gibson Warming Up (via sports.yahoo.com)
Current Kitchener Rangers goalie and top prospect of the Anaheim Ducks, John Gibson has been named to the preliminary roster for the 2013 United States National Junior Team. As a returning member from last years team and being the only goalie with International experience at this level, it is very conceivable that he is the favorite to be the #1 goalie for the United States.
Gibson, along with 27 other invitees, will convene in Tarrytown, NY from December 16-18 for training camp. The final roster will not be named until December 23. The Pittsburgh native is only one of three returnees from last years United States team, with defenseman Jacob Trouba and forward J.T. Miller.
The 2013 IIHF World Junior Championships will be held in Ufa, Russia, from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5. Gibson saw some playing time in last years competition, but like I said before is in line to play the bulk of the minutes for the USA this time around. This will be a great chance for Gibson to show off his talents against the best Juniors in the entire world.
He has been featured here before as one of the Ducks top prospects. I would have him as the Ducks’ top goaltending prospect and I would think that not too many people would disagree with me. Some might say that spot is taken by either Igor Bobkov or Frederik Andersen, but no. Gibson’s #1. He is currently 12-6-0 with a 2.20 GAA, a save percentage of 0.932% and 1 shutout. This is just his second season in the OHL, so, he still has at least one more year with the Rangers. After that, he will have his chances with Norfolk.
I really look forward to seeing him in action in the WJC’s this year. The Ducks will really get a good look at exactly what they have in Gibson and this will really tell us where he is in his development. So, keep a sharp eye on him.
Thanks for reading! Any questions? Contact us! Or follow us on twitter @DucksDailyBlog! We’re back on Facebook, so like us! Keep calm and pray for hockey!!!
Follow me on twitter @ddb_sean! Follow my fellow Staff Writer on twitter @bauerhockeydude!