• As a member of the 2017 Memorial Cup Champion Windsor Spitfires, Vilardi recorded 0-7—7 in four games to help Windsor – who hosted the tournament – capture the title for the third time in franchise history.

• Vilardi was one of three Spitfires to be named to the Memorial Cup All-Star Team joining teammates Michael DiPietro (No. 4-ranked N.A. goaltender) and defenseman Mikhail Sergachev (selected 9th overall by MTL in 2016).

• Vilardi produced at more than a point-per-game pace in the 2016-17 regular season, recording 61 points (29-32—61) in 49 games. His 29 goals led the Spitfires; his 61 points ranked second on the team. He then led Windsor in postseason points during the OHL Playoffs with 2-4—6 in a seven-game, first-round series loss to London.

• In 2015-16, Vilardi registered 17-21—38 in the regular season and added 1-3—4 in the playoffs (5 GP) to earn OHL Second All-Rookie Team honors.

• Vilardi was taken second overall by the Spitfires in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection after receiving the 2014-15 Hockey Eastern Ontario Player of the Year award for recording 18-21—39 in 21 games with the CIHA Voyageurs.

• Internationally, Vilardi helped Canada White win a gold medal at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge (4-3—7 in 6 GP).

• His older brother, Francesco, collected 27-48—75 in 204 career OHL games with the Sudbury Wolves, Plymouth Whalers and Flint Firebirds from 2012-13 to 2015-16, and currently skates for Queen’s University (CIS) in their hometown of Kingston, Ont.

• Compares his style of play to New York Islanders forward John Tavares.

• Lists former NHL players Pavel Datsyuk (Red Wings) and Daniel Briere (Coyotes, Sabres, Flyers, Canadiens, Avalanche) as his childhood hockey idols.


GETTING TO KNOW GABRIEL:

If I could "Carpool Karaoke" with any celebrity it would be: Selena Gomez

TV show I recently binge-watched: Prison Break

The celebrity that always makes me laugh: Kevin Hart

The app I spend too much time on: Toy Blast

At an all-you-can-eat buffet I go straight for the: Sushi

The coolest person I've ever met: Erik Karlsson

Athlete I admire most: Sidney Crosby

One thing people don't usually know about me: Quiet but witty

If I could be any superhero I would be: Superman

I am inspired by: My Dad

I am afraid of: Scary Movies

I dream of: Winning Stanley Cups


GABRIEL'S GO-TO EMOJI: