via NHL.com
Prospect Profile
• In 2010-11, he finished first in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with a .920 save-percentage and second overall with a 2.42 goals-against average. He played 37 games for the Sagueneens recording a 14-15-3-5 record and four shutouts. Gibson was named a First Team All-Star for his efforts.
• Gibson played in the Espoo Blues system before moving away from home at 15 to attend Notre Dame Academy in Wilcox, Saskatchewan. In his only season at Notre Dame, he backstopped the Hounds to the 2009 Telus Cup, Canada’s National Midget AAA Championship – he had a 43-save shutout in the championship game.
• He speaks both English and Finnish at home – his father, a martial arts instructor, was born in England.
• There have been several influential people throughout his career. Gibson credits: Chicoutimi goalie coach Marc Denis for helping with his transition to the QMJHL; Erkki Saari, a childhood friend who got him started in hockey; Harri Piiparinen his minor hockey coach; and his parents for always pushing him to be better.
NHL Central Scouting’s Al Jensen
“He’s a very confident goalie, has an air of confidence about him. He’s got very good net coverage, has good size and is very strong in his crease. He plays determined and aggressive, his movements are controlled, he tracks the puck very well and he challenges properly and holds his ground. He battled hard in all areas. He has a good, solid butterfly, was quick at gathering in any loose pucks and has good overall quickness.”
via Hockey’sFuture.com
History
2008-09: Gibson moved to Canada from Finland and played for the Notre Dame Hounds Midget AAA team. In 18 games, he posted a 2.63 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage. Gibson was chosen in the first round,m 16th overall, of the 2009 CHL Import Draft by the QMJHL’s Chicoutimi Sagueneens.
2009-10: In his QMJHL rookie season, Gibson played in 29 games for the Sagueneens. He posted a 3.50 goals-against average, a .884 save percentage, and a 8-19-0 record. In 4 playoff games, Gibson posted a 3.39 goals-against average and a .871 save percentage. Gibson played for Finland at the 2010 U-18 World Junior Championship but did not appear in any games.
2010-11: In 37 games for the Sagueneens, Gibson compiled a 2.42 goals-against average, a .920 save percentage, and a 14-15-8 record. In 4 playoff games, he turned in a 5.20 goals-against average and a .865 save percentage. Gibson was named to the QMJHL’s First All-Star Team. Gibson played for Team Cherry at the 2011 CHL Home Hardware Top Prospects Game, giving up 3 goals in a 7-1 loss to Team Orr.
2011-12: Gibson appeared in a career-high 48 games for Chicoutimi in his third QMJHL season and played for Finland in the 2012 U20 World Junior Championship. He was 27-17-4 with 3 shutouts and had a 2.97 goals against and .893 save percentage for the Sagueneens. Chicoutimi finished fifth in the East Division but then advanced to the playoff semifinals. Gibson was 9-9 with 1 shutout in 18 playoff games and had a 3.12 goals against and .903 save percentage. Gibson was 1-1 in two games for fourth-place Finland at the WJC and had a 4.50 goals against and .866 save percentage.
Talent Analysis
Thanks to his great positioning, any puck that Gibson can see, he’s likely going to be able to stop. Technically solid and aggressive in his crease, he moves well and is quick to cut down the angles. In addition to his strong glove hand, he also controls his rebounds extremely well.
Christopher Gibson Stats