On Monday April 5th, the Indy Fuel announced the acquisition of forward Brent Gates from the Tulsa Oilers. In exchange, forward Michael McNicholas joins the Oilers roster in the one-for-one deal.
McNicholas departs the Indy Fuel after hitting the ice in only 25 games. Through those limited appearances, the centreman racked up five goals along with 10 assists, amassing 15 points. Gates joins the roster in Indy after splitting the season between the AHL and ECHL.
Playing with the San Diego Gulls, the centreman only skated in two games, not scoring a goal, however, tallying an assist. Down at the ECHL level, Gates, from Grand Rapids, MI, played in 31 games with the Tulsa Oilers. Thus far through the regular season, the 23-year-old has recorded six goals along with 12 assists, amassing 18 points. He also adds on 42 penalty minutes.
He was originally picked by the Anaheim Ducks in the draft’s third round back in 2015. He was selected 80th overall. For his career, he’s played in 28 games in the American Hockey League, all with San Diego. Through those games, he’s recorded five goals along with three assists.
Prior to making the jump pro, Gates spent four years playing with the Minnesota Gophers in the NCAA. Throughout his collegiate career, Gates played 148 games, scoring 42 goals along with 43 assists. He also added 61 penalty minutes. In 2018-19, his senior season, the winger was appointed to lead the Gophers as team captain.