Gibson Wins 2013 Bob Johnson Award

John Gibson Warming Up (via sports.yahoo.com)

Earlier today USA Hockey rewarded Anaheim Ducks prospect John Gibson with the 2013 Bob Johnson Award, which recognizes excellence in international hockey competition. Past winners include Ryan Suter, Zach Parise, Phil Kessel, Erik Johnson, Ryan Miller and Jack Johnson. Gibson sparkled for USA Hockey this year in both the World Junior Championships and the World Championships. In the WJC, Gibson posted a record of 5-0-0-2 while setting a USA Hockey record for save percentage at .955 and tallying a 1.35 GAA. He also won the tournament MVP, Directorate Award, best goaltender in tournament, tournament All-Star team and named one of USA’s top three players of the tournament. Then, in the WC, Gibson posted the second-best GAA and SV % with 1.56 and .951, respectively. Along with helping lead USA to a bronze medal, Gibson became the second-youngest goaltender in WC history to win a playoff game, an 8-3 rout of Russia. This just caps off a ridiculously good year for Gibson.

Just a little side note, this is the second year in a row that a Ducks prospect has been rewarded by USA Hockey. Ducks prospect defenseman Andy Welinski was awarded the 2012 USA Hockey Junior Player of the Year last season. He is currently attending the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

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