Riese Gaber was named to the league's First All-Star Team along with being the Forward of the Year, his 34 goals were the most of any player and he was named the league's Player of the Year.
The 2019-20 season with the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League (USHL) was one that the star from Gilbert Plains will never forget. At that point in his career, Riese had already won a gold medal with Team Canada at the World Junior A Challenge and a Turnbull Cup with the Steinbach Pistons of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL). Everyone knew that Gaber was destined for big things and his journey took him to the University of North Dakota (UND), one of the best programs in the NCAA Division 1 ranks.
In his first year with the program, Gaber had 11 goals and 10 assists and was a plus-10. He was named to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference's (NCHC) All-Rookie team and helped the team win a regular-season championship. He was also named the conference tournament's most valuable player.
The accolades continued to pile on for Riese, who had dominated everywhere he played since he was a kid growing up in the Grand Plains Minor Hockey Association. During his four-year run at UND, Gaber finished with 129 points, was named a nominee for the Hobey Baker Award (2023-24), which is given out annually to the top player in the country and was named the team's captain for the 2023-24 season.
Riese was cherished by every member of the community, both on and off the ice. He always reciprocated their love by contributing to the team's victories on the ice and dedicating his time to connecting with fans off the ice.
"They prepare you very well for the next step, all of our coaches have played in or around the NHL," said Gaber. "The details in our game and how to prepare on and off the ice for the next level."
Riese competed in a development camp with the Florida Panthers and then the team's NHL Rookie Showcase after signing with the Charlotte Checkers in April. Gaber then took part in Charlotte Checkers training camp before being assigned to the Savannah Ghost Pirates of the ECHL. Regarded as a Premier "AA" Hockey League, Gaber was ready to seize the moment and after making the move to Savannah, he was in the lineup as the team opened their campaign at the Enmarket Arena on October 18 against the Indy Fuel.
Scoreless just more than three minutes into the game, Gaber made a statement as he scored his first professional goal and the Ghost Pirates never looked back in a 4-1 win.
"It felt really good, I was able to get it out of the way pretty early," offered Gaber. "It's always a good feeling when you score so I was happy to see that one go in."
Riese then added an assist on the team's fourth goal of the game. The star from Gilbert Plains was named the game's second star as he put on a show in his professional debut in front of nearly 7500 fans.
Savannah's season continues on Wednesday; however, Gaber won't be there when the team plays the Orlando Solar Bears. Riese has completed the 253-mile trek from Savannah, Georgia to Charlotte, North Carolina. For the first time in his professional career and after just one game, Gaber was called up by the Checkers, the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers.
The call-up puts Riese one step closer to his ultimate goal of making it to the National Hockey League (NHL).
"It feels great, I was kind of down when I got sent down originally, that wasn't in the plans, I wanted to start my pro career in Charlotte. It sucked but I went down with a good attitude, said I was going to make the most of it and enjoy every day," offered Gaber. "I went down and put in the work knowing that If I did the right things, I'd get my opportunity. My goal is to make my mark with the Checkers, very exciting for me."
With wins in three of four games this season, Charlotte returns to game action on Friday, October 25 when they open a two-game home set against the Bridgeport Islanders.
While he is nearly 3,000 kilometres from his hometown of Gilbert Plains, Riese always remembers his roots, and where he came from and wants to thank everyone for their incredible support.
"I have been feeling the love for a long time, the community and support has been awesome," continued Gaber.
Gaber also wanted to give a big shoutout to Scott McCallum who has made several trips to watch Riese and joined forces with him to win the men's scramble at the Tamarack Tournament this past summer.
"He has been a massive role model for me, I always refer to Scotty as like a second dad to me, I'm very close to him and the entire family, they're special people," ended Gaber. "He has taught me many things, on and off the ice. Very fortunate to be so close with him and his family."
It was a perfect start to his professional career and now, all of Riese's supporters are eagerly waiting to see him make his debut in the AHL, something that could happen as early as this Friday.
