Gogol Has Something In Common With Commodore

• He played only one game with the Rockets as a 16 year-old last season, so I didn't get a chance to meet Curt Gogol. But I did just that Wednesday after practice and was extremely impressed with the Calgary resident. Gogol is as personable as they come, and is extremely well spoken. Let's just say he will make this radio guys job much easier.
• While Curt's father played in the Western Hockey League, it's my general belief that this bright defenseman will be making a name for himself before very long. This season when his name is mentioned so too will his dad's league record for penalty minutes. You simply can't avoid it. But that will soon change as he steps out of the shadow of his father with his solid play.
• What makes Gogol's appearance on the Rockets defensive core this season impressive is he was a 8th round pick in the 2006 WHL bantam draft. In that draft, Gogol was the 4th defenseman selected by Rockets director of player personnel Lorne Frey. Taken ahead of him were Tyson Barrie, Collin Bowman and Aaron Borejko. All three are on this years team. Throw in Kyle Verdino, who will likely move back to forward if and when Luke Schenn, Tyler Myers and Tysen Dowzak return from NHL camps, and the Rockets took no less than 5 defenseman in that draft.
• It's not often a 8th round bantam pick plays for your team, especially in Kelowna. Only Matt Brusciano, Vaughn Watson and Kevin Korol have played for the Rockets after being selected in the 8th round. Oh ya, I forgot Mike Commodore, who was selected by the Rockets in the 8th round in 1994. He never played in the Okanagan, but he is playing in the NHL. That alone should give Gogol a clear indication that a late bantam selection doesn't mean a dream of playing in the NHL can't be realized. Just ask the 8 year NHL veteran with the red mop on his head and the Stanley Cup ring on his finger.