The Providence Bruins want to take a longer look at Jesse Gabrielle.
The Bruins, the American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL's Boston Bruins, have signed Gabrielle to an amateur tryout agreement. The 18-year-old Gabrielle is a Prince George Cougars forward who was a Boston draft pick (fourth round, 105th overall) in 2015.
"Jesse took some major steps forward this season in all areas of his game," said Cougars general manager Todd Harkins in a Friday media release. "We knew we were getting a special player when we acquired him in the summer, and we are thrilled that his first season in Prince George was a successful one. We're proud of him and he's very deserving of this opportunity."
The Cougars got Gabrielle from the Regina Pats last August. In 72 games with the Cats, he fired 40 goals and added 35 assists. His 75 points were four behind team leader Chase Witala. Gabrielle became the youngest Cougar ever to hit the 40-goal mark.
The six-foot, 200-pound Gabrielle was also a physical presence all season and established himself as a constant threat when the Cougars were shorthanded. Seven of his goals came when the Cats were down a man, and that total ranked him second in the Western Hockey League.
Gabrielle is the third Cougars player in the past week who has signed an AHL tryout contract. Witala inked a deal with the Toronto Marlies and Jansen Harkins signed with the Manitoba Moose.
Gabrielle, who arrived in Providence earlier this week, could see his first game action tonight when the Bruins host the Portland Pirates.
