Gale (#27) attempts a shot on UW-Superior goaltender Chad Beiswenger

Brahmas add rookie forward to roster

The Texas Brahmas have announced the signing of A. J. Gale to the 2009-10 roster.

The 5’ 11”, 185 pound rookie forward from Lantzville, British Columbia played for the St. Norbert College Green Knights last season. He led the team in scoring with 30 points (19 G, 11 A) in 19 games played. On March 20th, Gale was named an NCAA Division III All-American by the American Hockey Coaches Association. The Green Knights made it to the NCHA Semifinals before falling to the UW-Superior Yellowjackets.

CHL Playoff MVP Jason Deitsch and former Texas Brahma Marc Belanger are also St. Norbert alumni.

Photo Credit: Jamie Penner

Gale, 22, played four seasons with the Nanaimo Clippers (BCHL). He joined the team late in the 2003-2004 campaign and helped Nanaimo win its first BCHL title in 26 seasons. During his time there, he tallied 151 points (77 G, 74 A) and 170 penalty minutes in 162 games played.

His teammates in Nanaimo included the Oklahoma City Blazers' Bill Vandermeer and Texas Brahma Jared Seminoff.

Gale played 18 games for St. Cloud State (NCAA) during the 2006-07 season but saw limited ice time in his freshman season, tallying just two points (1 G, 1 A). After two games with the Huskies in 2007-08, he made the decision to return to the Clippers who had won the 2007 BCHL Championship.

Gale had his best statistical season in 2007-08, notching 53 points (27 G, 26 A) and 46 penalty minutes in just 38 games played. The Clippers were the Coastal Conference regular season champions and were also the BCHL regular season winners with the best record at 88 points. The Clippers advanced to the Fred Page Cup Finals, only to lose to the Penticton Vees, 4-0. Gale was the leading scorer during the playoffs, tallying 26 points (8 G, 18 A) and 13 penalty minutes in 14 games played.

Gale has been called a smart and crafty player, who makes good touch passes and possesses good speed and mobility. He also has been credited with a strong work ethic.

"We are very excited to add a player like Gale for next season,” said coach Dan Wildfong. He has received a lot of attention around the league, so we are glad to announce he will be a member of the Brahmas program."

More to come...