The Duke of Sooke is smooth as silk

To say that Garett Gilbertson was the surprise of the Peninsula Panthers Spring Camp in April, would be a huge understatement.  The 18-year-old left winger came into camp as a relatively unknown commodity, however he started out strong on the first day and simply was stronger every time out until he was signed on the Sunday at the end of the weekend.

Brad Tippett and Pete Zubersky had seen the Juan de Fuca Midget AA squad a couple times throughout the year and although unspectacular, Gilbertson had caught the eye of Tippett.  He made some notes during one game at the Panorama about the winger and was interested in seeing more of him at their Spring camp.

Tippett on his left winger, "We tell the players attending our spring camp that this is really our main camp and that we will sign some players from here. He seemed to take that opportunity as an invitation to not only knock on our door but to kick it down. He found instant chemistry with some of our veteran players on the first day and only got better throughout the weekend. Although they didn’t know Garett before the spring camp,  we had a number of veteran players come to us strongly in favor of adding him to our roster. He uses his speed at the right time, finishes well around the net, shows he can play within a structured team environment and is responsible in his own end."

Garett hails from Sooke but was born in Calgary and moved out to Vancouver Island at the tender age of three.  He grew up in Sooke and still lives there with his mother Darcie and his younger brother Grant.  The likeable winger started playing hockey in the Sooke Minor Hockey Association at five and immediately fell in love with the game.  He played his entire Minor Hockey in Sooke with the exception of last season when he joined the JDF Midget Club.  He was an affiliate of the Victoria Cougars and so had a taste of the Junior game prior to the Panthers Spring Camp.  Gilbertson graduated from EMCS with honours and plans to pursue his passion in the sport, which he hopes will allow him to continue to play the game when he attends University at sometime in the future.  He works at Butler Brothers in Sooke and will work there during this coming season.  Butler Brothers is a sponsor of the Panthers and Gilbertson could not be any more appreciative with how supportive they are of his hockey.  The youngster is an avid athlete and has played lacrosse for many years out of JDF as well as having played on his High School basketball squad.

"I am very proud to call myself a Panther and I am really looking forward to the coming season," said Gilbertson.  "I feel thankful to be part of such a wonderful club and I hope I can help bring success to the team."

Gilbertson made a point of thanking his Aunt and Uncle for their support and for Fenway Construction's sponsorship.  The company will be displayed on both his home and away jersey for this upcoming season.

"Garett is a great kid and that was evident when we were able to spend some time with him at our Camp in the Spring," explained Pete Zubersky.  "I love how the kid is respectful to the people around him and to the people that have supported him in the game and in life.  He has great character and fits into the mould we are looking for; that being a solid person who is low maintenance.  He is a real positive addition to the squad both on and off the ice."

Gilbertson will see exhibition action on Friday night at the Panorama when the Club take on the Kerry Park Islanders in an all-rookie game with the puck set to drop at 7:30 pm.