Sunday, April 13, 2008

Gerbe: Media darling in aftermath

AP: Third Time a Charm for B.C.
Gerbe had a hat trick in the semifinals against North Dakota and finished his command performance at the Frozen Four with five goals and three assists. The 5-foot-5 fireplug from Oxford, Mich., who led the nation in scoring with 35 goals and 32 assists, shrugged it off Friday night when he lost out to Michigan's Kevin Porter for hockey's equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. "Since Day 1, we've been fixated on one trophy and that's the national championship," Gerbe insisted.
USCHO: Gerbe Shines Again In Spotlight
Afterward, there were a number of connections made between Gerbe, who stands 5-foot-5, and a former BC forward of roughly the same stature. Brian Gionta was a finalist for the 2001 Hobey but lost to Michigan State’s Ryan Miller. The next day, however, the 5-foot-7 winger helped the Eagles win the title. Both players have great hands, impressive speed and the ability to disguise the angle of their shot, making them tough for goaltenders to stop in close. Gionta and Gerbe share the occasional conversation. “He gives me a few messages here and there … maybe a little pointer here and there,” Gerbe said. “But not too often. I don’t want to bug him, especially now. He’s in the middle of the playoffs.”
On his future:
“You want to leave it all on the table, no matter what, if you get hurt or anything,” Gerbe said. “You’ve got time to heal now.” Gerbe also has time to make a decision about his future. The Buffalo Sabres draft pick didn’t commit to anything Saturday night about where he’ll play next season. “He’s going to be a terrific player — hopefully for us next year, but if not, down the road for the Sabres,” BC coach Jerry York said.
ESPN: Gerbe scores twice as Boston College cruises to third hockey crown
B.C. captain Mike Brennan said it was a bittersweet moment taking off his Eagles sweater for the last time. But what about Gerbe? Will he bolt for Buffalo and NHL's riches now that he has his cherished championship? "I haven't thought about it at all," he insisted. "My main focus this whole year was to bring this trophy back to Chestnut Hill and I try not to think about the future. Coach keeps me here in the present. So, that's something that I don't really want to talk about or think about."
CHN: Gerbe's Tournament, Absolutely Hobey-Like
"I think he should probably be the Hobey Baker (winner)," said teammate Andrew Orpik, who, in an incredibly rare and incredibly entertaining turn of events, was being faux-interviewed by teammate Brock Bradford via Bradford's makeshift water bottle microphone. "You know the votes are done before the weekend and I think he turned a lot of heads this weekend and showed why he should have won the award." After pausing briefly, Orpik added: "Rooming with him is exceptional." It was a moment that epitomized the misconceptions of Gerbe that have frequented the college hockey world all season long. Yes, he's "feisty." Yes, he's taken some liberties. But no, he's not a jerk. No, he's not arrogant. No, he's not in it for himself. He's simply an incredible player who delivered when his team needed him most. It was such a clutch performance that when asked about Gerbe, Norte Dame's Jackson could hardly stop doting on his one-time player at U.S. National Developmental program. "God bless the small guy because he plays fearless and with a lot of jam and skill," Jackson said. "He reminds me of another small player from BC — Brian Gionta — although he might even be quicker than Brian."