Islanders Return Gibson to Bridgeport
Mar 13, 2019The New York Islanders announced Wednesday that goaltender Christopher Gibson has been returned on loan to the team’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Islanders.
Gibson, 26, has played 33 games with the Sound Tigers this season, going 18-9-1 with a 2.89 goals-against-average, .900 save percentage and one shutout. He has won seven straight decisions dating back to Feb. 5 and currently ranks third in Sound Tigers history in both wins (62) and games played (119). In addition, Gibson has also made two appearances with the Islanders this season, posting a 1.50 goals-against-average and .941 save percentage.
A native of Karkkila, Finland, Gibson played eight games with the Islanders during his fifth pro season in 2017-18 and went 2-3-2 with a 3.65 goals-against-average and .908 save percentage. He earned a 50-save victory against the Calgary Flames on March 11, 2018 and made 36 stops in a 4-1 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 20, 2018.
In addition, Gibson played a team-high 37 games with the Sound Tigers last season. He posted a 19-14-1 record with a 2.42 goals-against-average., .906 save percentage and a career-best four shutouts. His stellar play was rewarded with a selection to the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic.
Gibson has an overall record of 91-57-16 with nine shutouts in 176 career AHL games between the Sound Tigers and Toronto Marlies. In addition, Gibson played four NHL games with the Islanders during the 2015-16 season, including his debut on Jan. 2, 2016 against the Pittsburgh Penguins (in relief). Gibson earned his first NHL start on April 5, 2016 and made 29 saves against the Washington Capitals as the Islanders came back from a 3-1 deficit to win 4-3 in overtime, which clinched a spot in the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Prior to turning pro, Gibson spent four seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Chicoutimi Sagueneens. He earned CHL Goaltender of the Week honors on five occasions and was named to the QMJHL First All-Star Team in 2010-11. The 6'1, 187-pound netminder also posted the best save percentage of any QMJHL goalie that season (.920).
Gibson was initially selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round (#49 overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft.
About the Bridgeport Islanders
Founded in 2001, the Bridgeport Islanders Hockey Club is the top minor league affiliate of the New York Islanders. Don't miss your chance to take part in the family fun entertainment happening every home game at Webster Bank Arena. For further information on ticket or sponsorship opportunities, call our office at (203) 345-2300 or e-mail info@soundtigers.com.