It was teacher appreciation night during a recent Eau Claire Memorial home game. After the game Gabe Pankratz walked through the rink lobby wearing a sport coat with a dress shirt and pants. Gabe could have easily been mistaken for a teacher. He is 6’4” tall, broad shouldered, weighs 200lbs, and has a beard. He looks like a man.

Gabe has performed on ice during his senior season just like he looks. Big. Strong. Tough.

The cliché of saving your best for last is what Gabe Pankratz is doing as a senior for the Old Abes. Gabe is putting it all together. He uses his speed to walk defenseman and drive the net, the puck blasts off his stick with such velocity it is difficult for goalies to stop, and along the boards he physically manhandles most defenders.

“As a two-year captain, Gabe has done a nice job helping lead our team on and off the ice. On the ice, Gabe uses the combination of size and skill to create a match up problem for opponents. His shot is one of the hardest I have seen, and it makes him one of the top goal scorers in the state.” Jeff Schemberger, head coach, Eau Claire Memorial

“What I enjoyed about Gabe was his dedication and work ethic to improve his game. You could always count on Gabe to give the team everything he had. He has an intriguing combination of size and speed that will help him get to the next level.” Tim Ebner, coach, Janesville Jr. Jets

Let’s hear from Gabe Pankratz!

How is your senior season going? It’s going good so far. We’ve had some ups and downs. It’s been super fun.

When did you start playing hockey? I started skating at 4 and then started playing hockey at about age 6.

Where did you play youth hockey? Eau Claire Mustangs. For one year in pee wee I played for Gamblers. With the Gamblers I went to Quebec for the international tournament. We were in Quebec for most of February. My last year of bantams I played for Hudson because of Covid.

You played in the fall with the Jr. Jets…how was that experience? It was really good. It was my third or fourth year playing with them.

Did anyone in your family play hockey? No, I am the first one. My cousin Ben played hockey for Edgewood.

What is your favorite hockey memory? My freshman year in the Green Bay tournament we had a senior led team, and we won the tournament. It was a super fun experience.

What is your pregame ritual? I like to take a nice nap, get to the rink two- and one-half hours early, tape my stick in the same part of the rink, and then play sewer ball.

What hockey skills do you have that separate you from the competition? I have a hard shot, and my speed allows me to get to the net. I am a big, physical player. My favorite thing to do is play penalty kill.

Why is penalty kill your favorite? Because I can use my speed and my physicality to pressure the power play.

Is there an NHL player you model your game after? I take from a lot of players. I am physical and can score, so Ovechkin.

Who is the most influential person in your life? My parents. They set the bar high for me. They push me to be the best I can be in school and sports.

What is the plan for hockey after high school? To play juniors at the highest level I can.

If you don’t play juniors, where will you go to school? St. Thomas or UW Madison.

What do you want to do for your career? I don’t exactly know what I want to major in at college, but I want to get into the FBI Academy.

Do you play any other sports at Eau Claire Memorial? I run track, and I played football until sophomore year.

What do you enjoy doing in addition to sports? I like to lift weights, play golf, and hang out with my friends.

What is your favorite food? Pizza.

Do you have a favorite restaurant for Pizza? Rocky Rococo’s.

What is your favorite music group or type of music? Rap. Future and Metro Boomin.

Where is your dream vacation? I would like to go back to Quebec. And Hawaii.

Chocolate cake, brownie, or apple pie? Chocolate cake.

Pickup truck or sports car? Sports car. Lamborghini SVJ.

Final thoughts? I would like to thank my parents, and my coaches throughout all the years that helped me develop into the player I am today. And to thank my teammates for all the fun times and memories.

Best wishes to Gabe Pankratz!

Yours for hockey, Matt Carey