[link_box id=”22277″ site_id=”17″ layout=”link-box-third” alignment=”alignright”]Kurtis Gabriel of the Minnesota Wild has made a lot of noise this season despite suiting up in just seven games. Gabriel, 23, stands at an imposing 6’4″ and has put the NHL on notice by dropping his mitts to fight four times in limited action. When asked about his willingness to fight, Gabriel had some rather blunt responses about how he’s trying to help his team and send a message that the Wild won’t take trash from anyone.
Gabriel’s comments, via the StarTribune:
“I’m not here for personal glory in fighting. I’m here to help the team. We’re always going to take care of each other, and hopefully that starts to percolate the rest of the team. We don’t take any trash from anyone.”
The Minnesota coaching staff believes Gabriel will eventually settle down, but that doesn’t sound like it’s part of his overall mentality. Gabriel went on to comment that he’s making a name for himself and if he has to hurt someone, he’s willing to do it.
“Actually, it’s me challenging them. It’s me making a name for myself in this league. I made a name for myself down [in the minors], but this is another animal. I want to gain the respect of the other guys that do the job but also let them know you’re not going to take any [idiocy]. When I get into a fight, I’m trying to hurt them. If they’re trying to hurt me, I’m trying to hurt them back.”
Now that the NHL has effectively cut down on staged fights, it’s safe to assume any player who drops the mitts is trying to send a message and harm their opponent. Such is the nature of the beast where players believe self-policing is still the most effective component of player safety.
Fans can argue over whether Gabriel’s fights are tangibly benefiting his team, but he is attracting a lot of attention as well as the respect of his teammates.
Gabriel’s comments aren’t surprising by any means, but they are refreshing.
