The Owen Sound Attack’s loss was the Pelham Panthers’ gain.

Nick Gilby came close to cracking the Attack’s opening roster following a strong showing at training camp, but didn’t sulk when he was cut and instead is using it as motivation to improve his game.

“It definitely hurt a lot but it just made me want to work that much harder,” the 16-year-old St. Catharines native said. “It was hard, but at the end of the day, I feel it just made me stronger as a person and makes me want it even more.

“It was such a great experience to be out there playing with those guys. The fans were awesome and everyone was so nice.”

Panthers coach/assistant general manager Zac Rinaldo feels Gilby has all the tools to play at the next level.

“I see him being in the OHL next year, 100 per cent,” Rinaldo said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they sign him halfway through our season. He was one of their last cuts. He was obviously heartbroken and pissed off because in his opinion, he deserved to be there, and I believe that he deserves to be there right now.”

Gilby, who attends Sir Winston Churchill, is off to an impressive start with the Panthers, scoring five goals and six points through seven games. 

“It’s definitely great for my confidence in this league and it has been a lot of fun with all these guys,” he said.

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