Don’t tell Riese Gaber he’s too small.
He’s heard it before, he’ll hear it again, and frankly, he doesn’t care.
Gaber, who hails from Gilbert Plains, isn’t one to make excuses. Gaber is a heady forward with a very good skill set, that seems to see the game slower. Last season as a rookie with the Parkland Rangers, Gaber had 11 points in 34 games.
“I’ve got a theory about undersized players.” said Kings Assistant Coach Marc Berry. “They’ve always been that way. They don’t know any different. Players like Riese learn very early on how to play the game differently. They find good ice and they rarely put themselves in spots where they’ll get in trouble. Look at a guy like Tyler Johnson from Tampa Bay, he’s from that same type of mold. The other great trait that Riese has is that he always wants the puck. He wants to compete and be involved every time he’s on the ice. That type of attitude is contagious. Coaches love it.”
Gaber knows the challenges ahead of him. The son of Mike and Krista Gaber has seen his share of Kings games as his family have been fans since Riese and his sister Paige were little.
When his name was called by the Kings at the 2014 MJHL Bantam Draft, Gaber was excited but took it all in stride.
“Being drafted by your local team is an honour.” said Gaber. “The Dauphin Kings are a great organization. I’ve grown up watching them and I’m a huge fan. I’ve always wanted to be a Dauphin King so hopefully that’s what will happen. It would be a dream come true.”
“My favourite King growing up was Bryn Chyzyk, who went on to play for UND, NCAA Div I. I liked his style of play being an offensive forward. He was hard working and a great guy off the ice.”
In the off season you can find Riese practicing at the Gilbert Plains Golf and Country Club as he is an avid golfer.
Gaber’s favourite team is the Washington Capitals and his favourite player is the “Great 8” Alex Ovechkin. Happy Gilmore is his favourite movie. Orange is his favourite colour and his favourite number is 24.
Steak or Chicken – Steak
Coke or Pepsi – Pepsi
Golf or Lake – Golf
iPhone or Blackberry – iPhone
TSN or Sportsnet – TSN
Country or Rock – Country
Magazine or Book – Magazine
Call or Text – Text
Burger or Hot Dog – Burger
Gaber will be one of several local players coming to Kings Main Camp, September 3rd. Don’t miss out on any of the action! Be sure to get your season tickets before the June 26th Early Bird Deadline! Tickets are available at North of 51/Roger’s Wireless Monday to Friday during business hours.