Two memories that stick out in his mind from being a Trojan were, firstly, not making the football team in his grade ten year; and in his grade 13 year, scoring 48 points in a senior basketball game to completely outscore the entire Nelson team.

Gabriel was active throughout high school playing junior football for the Burlington Braves under the direction of famed coach Bernie Custis.

Gabriel's first CFL year with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 1971, was rather mediocre, with only 20 catches for 265 yards and one touchdown.

With rookie quarterback Chuck Ealey in 1972 Gabriel caught 49 passes for 733 yards and 3 scores during the season and helped the team win the Grey Cup over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

In his career Gabriel was chosen ten consecutive times as the EFC/East Division's all-star tight end from 1972 to 1981.

At the time, Gabriel stood at third among the all-time receivers behind only Tom Scott and Tommy Joe Coffey.