Rylan Gibbs grew up watching the Dauphin Kings, and from a young age, he dreamed of one day donning the Kings jersey himself.
During the 2021-22 season, Rylan spent the season as captain for the Parkland U-18 Rangers and had a great year with 63 regular-season points in 44 games and six more playoff points in seven games. Rylan was full of confidence and made his hometown junior team the following season where he scored seven times and had 13 points in 52 games.
Rylan returned to Dauphin's lineup last season and increased his point total to 18 points in 44 games. He also notched an assist in four of the team's playoff games against the Blizzard. Returning as a 20-year-old this season, Gibbs played three games before he was dealt to the Blind River Beavers of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL).
Although the season didn’t start as Rylan had hoped, he remains incredibly grateful for the opportunity he had in Dauphin and will always treasure his time as a King.
"I grew up watching the team for as long as I can remember, I enjoyed my time immensely in Dauphin," said Gibbs. "I made some of my best friends today playing with that organization. I spent two good years with the team and wish them the best moving forward."
Upon arriving in Blind River, Rylan quickly assumed a leadership position. With 107 games of Junior A experience, all earned with Dauphin, he was appointed assistant captain for the remainder of the season with Blind River.
"I was extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity. I believe my presence was felt when I got here based on my experience," continued Gibbs. "The coaching staff believed I was a good fit to help lead the team."
Since joining his new team, Rylan has been a steady presence on the scoresheet. In 15 games, he has recorded two goals and 12 points, averaging 0.80 points per game, which ranks fifth on the team.
His first goal with Blind River came in his first game in the Red & White as he let go of a beautiful wrister in a game against Greater Sudbury on October 24. It was a part of a two-point night as the Dauphin star got off to a great start with the Beavers.
"Everything that was in my game in Dauphin has translated here with a bit more," offered Gibbs. "I have been able to use my speed and playmaking ability to my benefit. I'm trying to do anything I can to help this team, things have been going very well."
Gibbs' performance has been instrumental in propelling the team to the upper ranks of the standings. With three consecutive victories and a strong record of seven wins in their last 10 games, the Beavers have climbed to a tie for third place with the Soo Eagles.
They are now only five points behind Hearst, who hold second place, positioning the team within striking distance of even higher success.
"We went through a couple of rough patches when I first got here but that's what can pull a team together," ended Gibbs. "We're starting to come together as a group and finding ways to win. When you're winning, you're having a good time and getting closer to the guys. Everyone is feeling great right now and we're looking to keep the good times going."
The team will conclude the first half of their season on Friday, facing the Soo Thunderbirds at the John Rhodes Community Centre.