As we get ever closer to our first game of the 2022 / 23 season, your GalxC Cooling Services sponsored Basingstoke Bison are thrilled to announce the signing of young Canadian forward, Gaël-Mukeba Lubwele (aka Gael Lubwele) as our 2nd overseas player for the forthcoming 2022/23 Planet Ice NIHL National League season.
Gael’s visa and international clearance have been agreed and he arrives into the country today and will be in the line up on Saturday evening.
The 26-year-old from Montreal in the province of Quebec, is 5’ 10”, 88kg, and a right-handed shot, who until now has only played in North America, primarily Canada, although he did spend the 2016/17 season in the American WHSL.
Gaél first played competitive hockey for Montreal Royal U15’s in 2010/11 before joining Laval Montreal Rousseau Royal, where from 2011/12 through to 2013/14 he iced in 127 QMAA league, Telus Cup and Play Off games scoring 78 points (36+42) and racking up 232 penalty mins.
Over the next 5 seasons Lubwele had spells with;
Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) 7 appearances & 6 penalty mins
Sainte-Agatha Montagnards (QJHL) 126 appearances, 119 points (55+64) & 357 penalty mins.
Springfield Express (WSHL) 51 appearances, 79 points (37+42) & 174 penalty mins.
Portage College (ACAC) 26 appearances, 16 points (12+4) & 80 penalty mins.
The 2018/19 season saw Lubwele make a step up to the highly rated USports Ice hockey when enrolling at Nipissing University North Bay, Ontario.
USports men’s ice hockey is the highest standard of play of men’s ice hockey at University level under the auspices of USports, Canada’s governing body for university sports.
Gael’s debut season with Nipissing Uni saw him make 24 appearances, scoring 17 points (8+9) with 67 penalty mins.
In 2019/20 he made a further 25 appearances, again scoring 17 points (11+6) and 60 penalty mins.
The following season 2021/22, he made 17 appearances, scoring 12 points (9+3) and incurred 12 penalty mins during the regular season, in 2 Play Off games he scored once.
Note: 2020/21 season did not take place due to the Pandemic.
Having chosen now to further his hockey career outside of North America, it’s clear that Bison will be getting a player not only wanting to prove himself away from home, but a physical hard-working player with a feisty edge to his game, a style which no doubt will endear him to fans of the Stampede and his teammates alike.
Bison Head Coach Ashley Tait said this about Gael signing with the Herd,
“I’m really excited to see Gael get going with us. He comes from a league that whilst doesn’t play many games, is really intense and physical and that’s what he’ll bring every night. He’s got aspirations to play at a higher level and we’ll benefit from that”.
The player himself commented on his move to UK hockey said,
“I’m Super excited to be a part of the team , I’m ready for this new challenge and can’t wait for everything to start – see you soon Bison fans”
Gael will wear the number 9 jersey for his debut season with the Herd and his light, dark and home warm-up jerseys are now available for supporters to have the opportunity to purchase and loan back to the club Gael’s jersey through our ever popular Jersey “Own & Loan” scheme, if you are interested in applying for one of Gael’s jerseys please send your application to hello@bstokebison.co.uk
And include in the title the players name of whom shirt you are applying for
Own & Loan ” Terms and Conditions”:
Gael’s jerseys are available on a first come first served basis .
The news keeps coming thick and fast now for the fans of the Herd as we start our ‘Stampede into 2022 / 23 Season’, with new and returning sponsors on board, players to be announced, fans just need to keep their eye on our social media channels and club website as we build to our first home game on 3rd September when we entertain Bees IHC in pre-season action.
#IsItSeptemberYet
