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ECHL Orlando Solar Bears

Former Solar Bears Goalie Christopher Gibson Makes NHL Debut for Islanders

January 3, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Orlando Solar Bears News Release


Former Orlando Solar Bears Goaltender Christopher Gibson with the New York Islanders
Former Orlando Solar Bears Goaltender Christopher Gibson with the New York Islanders
(Orlando Solar Bears)

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Orlando Solar Bears, proud affiliate of the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL's Toronto Marlies, are excited to announce that former goaltender Christopher Gibson made his NHL debut on Saturday night, making 16 saves on 17 shots in a relief appearance in the New York Islanders' 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins at CONSOL Energy Center, becoming the 582nd player in ECHL history to advance to the NHL.

Gibson, 23, replaced Thomas Greiss midway through the second period and gave up one goal in 29:03 of action for New York. Gibson is now the ninth player in Solar Bears history to also appear in an NHL game, and just the third player in Solar Bears history to make his NHL debut after developing in Orlando, following goaltenders Garret Sparks and Darcy Kuemper.

Gibson suited up for the Solar Bears during the 2013-14 campaign, appearing in 20 games and posting an 8-9-2 record with a 3.16 goals-against average and a .892 save percentage.

The native of Karkkila, Finland was acquired by the Islanders in a six-player trade with the Maple Leafs on September 17, 2015. Gibson was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round (#49 overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

The Solar Bears host the Florida Everblades in a Wawa Sunshine Cup Series game as they continue their fourth season in the ECHL, presented by Auto Justice Attorney Michael T. Gibson, P.A. on Sunday, Jan. 3 at 6:00 p.m. at the Amway Center.

Sunday's game is also the second game of Orlando's Hockey Fights Cancer Weekend festivities, as the Solar Bears will wear specialty pink jerseys.

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Former Orlando Solar Bears Goaltender Christopher Gibson with the New York Islanders
Former Orlando Solar Bears Goaltender Christopher Gibson with the New York Islanders
   

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