'I started jumping around': LaSalle's Gibson signs with Red Wings

Signing with the Detroit Red Wings is a moment Andrew Gibson got to share with his teammates Sunday. "My agent called me when I was at the arena doing exit meetings with my teammates," Gibson told Powerplay Sports. "When I saw his call coming through I stepped out of the room for a second and when I heard him say that I was being offered a contract I started jumping around with excitement."

He went back into the dressing room in the Soo and told a couple of his teammates and before he knew it everyone began congratulating him. "It was very cool getting to spend that moment with the guys that I have been working with for the last few months."

The Red Wings, who chose Gibson in the 42nd overall in last year's draft, signed the LaSalle native to a three-year entry-level contract that starts next season and signed him to an amateur tryout contract that will see him in Grand Rapids for the rest of the season. The Griffins have a 1-0 series lead over Rockford in their best-of-five Calder Cup playoff series and host the Ice Hogs Wednesday. Gibson is listed on the Grand Rapids roster.

The 6'4, 206 pound defenceman scored 12 goals and posted 44 points in 68 games with the Soo Greyhounds this season. The 19-year old had two assists in 11 playoff games before the Greyhounds were knocked out of the playoffs in game seven against Saginaw last week.

"I think my season went really well, obviously it ended a little shorter than i would have liked but I had a great year both on and off the ice," Gibson said. "I think my defensive game really excelled, especially near the end of the season rolling into playoffs.

"Our team had a great year and I couldn’t have accomplished this without my teammates, coaches and all the staff that have helped me this year. We had a great group of guys and I had one of the best years of my life with those guys."

After his stint in Grand Rapids, Gibson anticipates spending time at the LCA with the Red Wings like he did last summer. "I am going to focus on my soft skills and getting stronger. I am really happy with how last summer went with them and how it affected my performance this past season and I am very excited to keep it rolling throughout this summer and into next season."