Rookie defenseman joins mix from QMJHL
BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners
PORTLAND, ME – July 15, 2019 – The Mariners announced the signing of defenseman Gabriel Sylvestre on Monday. A rookie blue-liner from Laval, Quebec, Sylvestre brings extensive QMJHL experience into the fold, as well as size, standing 6’4, 194 pounds.
Sylvestre, 21 years old, has played in the QMJHL for five seasons. At age 15, he began his career in “the Q” with the Shawinigan Cataractes in 2014-15. Suiting up in 56 games, he had a goal and six assists, plus 69 penalty minutes. Sylvestre increased his production over the next three seasons with Shawinigan, registering 13 points in 2015-16 and again in 2016-17. By 2017-18, he was a Captain for the Cataractes and had already matched a career high in points, when he was traded midseason to the Moncton Wildcats.
The 2017-18 season was Sylvestre’s breakout offensively, as he finished with eight goals and 11 assists in 60 games between the two teams. He had never scored more than one goal in a season, prior. Last season, fully in Moncton, he hit a career-high with 21 points (4 goals, 17 assists) in 64 games. Sylvestre is accustomed to postseason play as well, appearing in the playoffs in all five of his QMJHL campaigns.
“Sylvestre is a young D coming out of major junior,” said Mariners head coach Riley Armstrong. “It’s always good to have young players to continue to develop and get ready for the AHL.”
Sylvestre will compete for a spot on an already busy Mariners blue line, which features Josh Couturier, Derek Pratt, Richie Boyd, and Garrett Cecere, all re-signed to contracts and returning for their second seasons in Maine. To see the full 2019-20 roster so far, click here.
The second season of Maine Mariners ECHL hockey kicks off October 11th at home when the Adirondack Thunder visit the Cross Insurance Arena for a 7:15 PM faceoff. Full and half season plans along with 12-game mini-plans and group tickets are on sale now by calling 833-GO-MAINE or visiting the Mariners front office at 94 Free St. in Portland. Single game tickets will go on sale on September 16th.
