Neil Gabler
Inducted 1975

Sarnia, Ontario

Years Played: 1926,1927,1933
 
Neil was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Sarnia, Ontario where he played hockey in a church league and for The Sarnia Collegiate Institute. At Michigan, he played defense in the 1925-26, 1926-27 and 1932-33 seasons for Coach Barss and Coach Lowrey. Neil was name All-Conference defenseman in 1925-26 and 1926-27. He was elected captain for the 1927-28 season but an injury delayed his schooling until he returned five years later in 1932. Coach Barss awarded Neil three Maize and Blue ribbons, attached around a cigar for his three goals scored in 1926-27. The team that season combined for only 17 goals.
 

His most memorable experience was at Wisconsin when Michigan was down to only three men on the ice. Goalie Steve Jones was put off for a two minute tripping penalty. Only defenseman Roach and Gabler were left, so Neil went in goal. Wisconsin shot at Neil in goal, he stopped the puck and started up ice to kill of Jones' penalty. Wisconsin did not score on the power play.

Neil's most important goal was a game tying goal against Minnesota in a game Michigan finally won in three overtimes, tying for the Conference Championship. With only minutes left, he raced the length of the ice, scored, and went head first in to the goal post, knocking him out. Neil graduated from the College of Architecture and he designed the East Quadrangle dorm on central campus and the Mortimer E. Cooley Building and Phoenix Memorial Laboratory Building on North Campus. He also designed the first "M Club" room in old Yost Field House.

   
   
   
   
If you have additional information about this inductee, please send the information to dekersclub@umich.edu  
   
   
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