SYDNEY
Derek Gentile is heading closer to home.
The Quebec Remparts forward was traded to the Charlottetown Islanders on Tuesday. The 18-year-old Sydney native, along with a third-round pick in 2019, headed to the Islanders for 18-year-old winger Matthew Grouchy and 19-year-old centre Gregor MacLeod.
“It’s exciting,” said Gentile. “It’s always nice when you see family and stuff. It’s easier for my family to come see (me play) and (I’ll) see my family more often and my friends, too.”
Gentile, a fourth-round pick of the Remparts in the 2015 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League draft, was in his third season with the club. He’s having a breakout year so far offensively, scoring 14 goals to go along with 19 assists for 33 points in 37 games — well on his way to eclipsing the 35 points he put up last season.
“It’s something that’s come a little more naturally to me than other things, but not only that, I’m not a young guy anymore, so I don’t want to be a liability either,” he said. “I’ll be working with new systems and stuff and it’s exciting to see a different game plan.”
Gentile joins an Islanders team that’s only two points up on the Remparts for eighth place in the QMJHL’s overall standings. Charlottetown also added 20-year-old forward Cameron Askew from the Shawinigan Cataractes on Tuesday for the third-round pick acquired in the Gentile trade.
“I’ve heard very good things about the island and the team,” he said. “Even from my good friend Mitchell (Balmas) that had played there, he’s said nothing but great things. I’m excited.”
When asked about media reports out of Quebec where he asked for a trade, Gentile simply said “it was time for a change.”
“I really enjoyed my time there and it helped me to grow not just as a hockey player, but as an individual,” he said.
Gentile said he has a minor eye injury, but hopes to be in the lineup with the Islanders this weekend.
It will be a long wait for Cape Breton hockey fans to see Gentile with his new club. Charlottetown next plays at Centre 200 against the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles for back-to-back games, March 9-10
On Twitter: @cbpost_sports
Player Profile
Derek Gentile
Hometown: Sydney
Height: 5-9
Weight: 175 lbs.
Position: Right wing
Age: 18
