The highs of highs and the lows of lows, Spencer Gill has experienced them all over his QMJHL career. Gill vs Gill was supposed to be the storyline that everyone wanted to see a season ago, but Spencer’s Oceanic never faced his brother Dyllan’s Wildcats when it mattered most in a championship situation. An injury, surgery and subsequent rehab derailed any chance for Gill to play in the Memorial Cup. Spencer Gill was there every step of the way for the Oceanic from a leadership perspective, but he was also tremendously supportive for his brother when they won the Gilles Courteau Trophy in 6 games. Gill’s injury woes sadly struck again this time with the Armada. Gill only appeared in 16 regular season games for the Armada this year and is currently playing some of his best hockey right now heading into this 3rd round matchup versus his hometown Moncton Wildcats.
The Philadelphia Flyers prospect enters this showdown as a massive catalyst for the Armada. In his last and final ride in the Q Gill is looking to lead and be a thorn in the side of the Moncton Wildcats. Gill can be a shutdown presence as well as an offensive juggernaut and could pose a massive problem for the Wildcats. Gill might not be flash and dash, but this kid can drastically change the complexion of a series like this.
Perspective
Perspective: a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
It doesn’t take very much for all of us to lose perspective from time to time. That’s life. In the daily grind we often take things for granted, we often lose perspective, we often forget what matters most. Love of life, love of those around us and our passion.
Spencer Gill has faced more adversity in the last year and half that many players his age face over a five-year span. He has handled that adversity like a true professional which speaks volumes to his character and work ethic. Gill has worked tirelessly to get back to this point and over that period of time he has improved every aspect of his game to not only meet expectations, but far exceed them. Spencer Gill has a “particular attitude” that far exceeds that of most people and players his age and definitely kept things in perspective for the highly talented two-way defender.
The Long Way Back
Everyone gets sentimental or is drawn to a comeback story. It’s human nature to cheer for the comeback story, but every one of those stories are unique. What Spencer Gill has had to endure dealing with the injuries reveals the type of character and grit he possesses.
Everyone gets sentimental or is drawn to a comeback story, but no one really knows what goes through the mind of the individual and their family. From all the sacrifices and countless hours of rehab to all the setbacks and triumphs, very few ever experience the rollercoaster of emotions and the struggle within that athletes go through to return to the game they love. Spencer saw what his brother Dyllan went through during his own injury woes and rehab to only go through that himself a few years later.
This series vs Moncton might be the end of Spencer Gill’s Q career, but he has tried everything in his power to make himself and all those around him better on and off the ice and there’s a lot to be said about that.
It’s been an absolute honour and privilege to get to watch this kid play the game and even better to get to know him over the years on a personal level. Here’s to Spencer Gill the kid that has been through it all, but you would never know it because of who he is and how he plays the game he loves.
A Look Back: Here a few articles that I’ve written on Spencer over the years
A Player To Watch: Spencer Gill – The Quick Shift
More Than Just Another Home Game – The Quick Shift
Final Scouting Reports and Analysis for the 2022 QMJHL Draft – The Quick Shift
The Quick Shift 