Kurtis Gabriel

Kurtis Gabriel, born on April 20, 1993, is a former professional ice hockey player from Canada, recognized primarily for his role as an enforcer on the ice. His journey to the NHL was not without challenges, as he was overlooked in the NHL Entry Draft during his first two years of eligibility. However, his perseverance paid off when he was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the third round, being the eighty-first overall pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Gabriel made his NHL debut with the Minnesota Wild on November 10, 2015. While he had a brief stint in the NHL, much of his career was spent with the Iowa Wild, the Wild's AHL affiliate. He dedicated nearly five seasons to the team, concluding his tenure after the 2017-18 season before signing with the New Jersey Devils.

During his time with the Devils, Gabriel made headlines as the first NHL player to utilize Pride Tape outside of designated Pride Nights, showcasing his commitment to advocacy and inclusivity. His efforts in the community did not go unnoticed, as he was honored with the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award while playing for both the Wild and the Phantoms.