Gerbe ready to bring energy to Hurricanes

Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network
Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network

Smallest player in the league plays a big game

RALEIGH, N.C. – If you’re ever asked to find Nathan Gerbe amongst the contingent of Carolina Hurricanes players on the ice at Raleigh Center Ice or PNC Arena, it shouldn’t take you to long to do so.

Just look for a fast-skating whirlwind of a player who stands at five-foot-five-inches tall plus three when you consider how tall he becomes with skates and helmet added on.

The 26-year-old center who signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Hurricanes in late July is ready to show that he can help the club and be a valuable player on its roster.

“For me, coming to camp (my goal) is to work hard and work my way to earn a spot,” Gerbe said.

“That’s all I can focus on. It’s a good fresh start for me. I can kinda’ come in, don’t know anyone and work hard and try to prove myself.”

After being drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round (142nd overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Gerbe took some time developing his game before getting regular playing time in the AHL and NHL starting in 2008.

He played his college hockey with the Boston College Eagles, helping to guide them to an NCAA championship as tournament MVP in 2008, in addition to receiving numerous accolades that included being named a Hobey Baker Award finalist that year.

Regardless of his size, Gerbe’s work ethic and performance continued to show that he had the ability and skill to play at the pro level as he was named the AHL Rookie of the Year in 2009.

Seeing spot duty and playing in 10 NHL games in each of the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 seasons with the Sabres, and playing 101 total games with the Portland Pirates in the AHL during that time, he has increased his playing time in the NHL as a more seasoned player over the past three seasons.

After playing 188 games and tallying 72 points (29 goal, 43 assists), his time with Buffalo ended this summer when the team bought out his contract and made him available as a free agent.

The Hurricanes saw the opportunity to throw him into the mix of players who will vie for a spot on the team’s roster for the upcoming season and signed him accordingly.

He is particularly excited about the possibility of bringing and exhibiting his style of play to Carolina fans.

“I think I’m a player that can play all-around,” Gerbe said.

“In Buffalo, I played every role there was. I’m pretty versatile, but for me, I know I’m fast. I’m kind of an agitator in terms of some aspects, but on the offensive side I can put the puck in and get things done.”

When asked to clarify the term agitator, Gerbe stated, “I can be a little pest.”

“I think that’s part of my game. I get under people’s skin with how hard I work and I try to be as physical as I can be.”

As a young hockey player, Gerbe understandably admired and worked to emulate the style and game of five-foot-eight-inch Martin St. Louis of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Over the summer, he had the chance to work out and skate in Darien, Conn. with St. Louis and other NHL’ers including Max Pacioretty, Matt Moulson, James Van Reimsdyk, and Brad Richards.

“It’s a top-notch group to be around,” Gerbe said.

“Being able to train with him (St. Louis) this summer was pretty eye-opening for me and to talk to him. He had a lot of inspiration for me. I think that helped.”

Obviously, it’s not that surprising that Gerbe and the six-time all-star, Stanley Cup champion and reigning Art Ross and Lady Byng trophy winner hit it off so well.

“The little guys always gotta’ stick together, right?” Gerbe said smiling.

As the Hurricanes begin their training camp on-ice sessions on Thursday, look for the ‘little guy’ skating non-stop all over the ice.

As the NHL’s shortest player, Gerbe understands that there’s only one way for him to play – with lots of energy, a big heart, and a great attitude.

“You have to come out and work hard every shift,” he said.

“You come out and compete on every shift. There’s not many shifts you can take off. It’s gonna’ be fun to come and compete and work your way in.”