Gary Gambucci comes from an Iron Range family rich in hockey tradition. His love of the game of hockey was passed down to him from his father, Elio, and his two uncles, Sergio and Andre.

In the history of the University of Minnesota, only three first year players have led the Gophers in scoring, Gary being one of those scorers with 40 points (23g 17a) in the 1965-66 season.

In Gary's senior year, he was selected Captain, 1st Team All-America, WCHA All-Star Team, winner of the E.B. Pierce Alumni Award as the outstanding hockey player at the U of M, and was the first hockey player in history to be awarded the Big Ten Conference Medal emblematic of athletic and academic achievement.

In 1966, Gary was drafted by the Montreal Canadians. He lists playing right wing with the legendary Jean Beliveau as one of the greatest thrills of his career.

Due to circumstances beyond his control, namely the Vietnam War, Gary's hockey career was put on hold as he entered the U.S. Army. He subsequently played on his country's U.S. National teams in 1969, 1970, 1971, and again in 1976.

In 1970, playing with the U.S. National team in Bucharest, Rumania, Gary was the world championships leading goal scorer and was also named to the All-World Team where in 13 games, Gary scored 14 goals and added 8 assists for 22 points.

The 1971 team comprised the nucleus of the 1972 Olympic team which won the silver medal in Sapporo, Japan. Gary was fortunate to have played with five members of that team who are all members of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.

Prior to the 1972 Olympic Games, and at age 25, Gary signed a multi-year contract with the Minnesota North Stars, thus becoming the first born and bred Minnesotan to play with them.

In the summer of 1974, Gary signed a contract with the Minnesota Fighting Saints of the World Hockey Association. After 1-1/2 years and tallying 61 pts. with the Saints, the team folded and after 5 years of pro hockey, Gary retired at age 30.