The Prince George Cougars’ 1997-born forward Jesse Gabrielle (Moosomin, SK) has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins.
Originally selected by the Boston Bruins in the fourth round (103rd overall) of the 2015 NHL Draft, Gabrielle was acquired by the Cougars in an August 2015 trade with the Regina Pats. So far this season in 26 games he has scored a team-high 19 goals along with 12 assists for 31 points. Last season Gabrielle finished tied for the team lead in goals (40) and second in points (75). He also chimed in with 101 penalty minutes and finished second in the entire WHL with seven shorthanded goals. Gabrielle is the youngest Cougar ever to reach the 40 goal mark (one of just two players to ever do so in their 18-year-old season) and in March, 2016 he won the Dorothy Johnson Memorial Award given each season to the Cougar fan favorite along with the Troy Bourke award given to the team’s top offensive player.
“From the moment he arrived in Prince George, Jesse Gabrielle has made a major impact on our organization both on and off the ice,” said Cougars General Manager, Todd Harkins, in a press release. “He’s a game changer who fits the Boston Bruins mold perfectly. He’s one-step closer to living his dream of playing in the National Hockey League and our entire organization is thrilled for Jesse and his family.”
In 215 career WHL games (Brandon, Regina, Prince George), Gabrielle has registered 94 goals, 82 assists and 322 penalty minutes with a +13 rating. He has also scored five goals and added seven assists and 35 penalty minutes in 21 career playoff games. In 2013 he represented Team West at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
Gabrielle and the B.C. Division leading Cougars continue their season long seven game home stand Tuesday when they host the Tri-City Americans. It’s game one of a weeknight double-header. Tickets for both games this week can be purchased HERE: .