Rapids Acquire Elite Forward Greg Gibson in Trade with Akwesasne

The Paugan Falls Rapids have made a major addition ahead of the 2026–27 season, acquiring elite forward Greg Gibson and the rights to Ryanlee Wadden from the Akwesasne Wild in exchange for cash considerations and the rights to Connor McCarthy.

The centrepiece of the deal is Gibson, one of the NPHL’s most prolific offensive players and a proven difference-maker everywhere he has played.

The 35-year-old left-shot forward brings an extensive hockey résumé to Paugan Falls, including NCAA Division I and professional experience in North America and Europe. At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, Gibson combines high-end skill, hockey sense and scoring ability with the experience of a player who has competed at some of the highest levels of the game.

His numbers in senior hockey speak for themselves. Across his NPHL career, Gibson has recorded an incredible 61 goals and 52 assists for 113 points in just 38 games — an average of 2.97 points per game. Last season with Akwesasne, he scored 17 goals and added seven assists for 24 points in only 10 games before an injury cut his season short.

Gibson has established himself as one of the league's premier offensive talents through much more than his ability to finish. His ability to control possession, create offence off the rush and generate opportunities for his linemates makes him a threat virtually every time he steps on the ice. His vision and anticipation allow him to find openings before they develop, while his finishing ability makes him equally dangerous when the puck ends up on his stick.

For the Rapids, he is expected to immediately become a focal point of the offence and provide the club with a true game-breaking presence at the top of its forward group.

Before becoming a dominant player at the senior level, Gibson built an impressive résumé that took him through NCAA Division I hockey and into the professional ranks. He played four seasons at Robert Morris University, appearing in 150 NCAA games. His collegiate career culminated in an outstanding senior season in which he was named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, presented annually to the top player in NCAA Division I men's hockey.

Following university, Gibson moved into professional hockey, including time with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL, before continuing his career overseas in Germany and Denmark.

After returning to Canada and transitioning into senior hockey, Gibson quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous offensive players in the region. Wherever he has played, he has been a driving force offensively — a reputation he will now bring with him to Paugan Falls.

Simply put, Gibson arrives in Paugan Falls as one of the most accomplished players the organization has acquired and is expected to play a major role in driving the Rapids offence throughout the 2026–27 season.

The deal also sees the Rapids acquire the NPHL rights to Ryanlee Wadden, a player the organization has been interested in for some time. Wadden is expected to play professionally in the United States this season and is therefore not expected to join the Rapids in 2026–27. However, acquiring his rights gives Paugan Falls the opportunity to add him to the roster in the future should he return to senior hockey.

Going the other way, Akwesasne receives cash considerations and the rights to Connor McCarthy.

The Rapids are thrilled to welcome Greg to Paugan Falls and look forward to seeing him in blue this season.