Will the real Ron Hextall please stand up!!!! Hextall is a wizard, and a guru when it comes to drafting. Experts never know who he is going to select at the draft. One can only speculate just who might be the next piece to the puzzle. Fast forward to this years draft class, let’s meet a Right Winger in Pavel Gogolev a native of Russia. He states, “I have a bunch of pre-game routines, but the most important one for me is to pray to God.”
Gogolev was born on February 19, 2000, in Moskva, Rus. He began playing hockey at a young age, and his love for the sport found himself playing for the Peterborough Petes for the 2016-17 season. He endured quite a season registering 5 goals, and 6 assists for a total of 11 points in 53 games. After this so-so season, Gogolev worked his tail off in the off-season to get bigger and stronger, in hopes of improving his game from the prior year. So just who is this young man?
“Hard working. I’m always trying to build muscle, and work on extra skills like skating, shooting, and puck handling.”
The young 18 year old prospect in Gogolev worked hard in the off season to improve his game. His hard work paid off in a big way, as he enjoyed a career year for the Petes in 2017-18. He registered 30 goals, and 17 assists for 47 points in 66 games played. This has really solidified his status for the upcoming NHL Draft. One would expect his nerves to be through the roof with being on the cusp of the NHL. However, Gogolev offers a different point of view.
“It’s a good feeling to be able to get drafted. I think everyone around me is very happy and excited for me.”
Gogolev continues, “My ultimate goal when I began playing was to play professional hockey, and I didn’t really care where, but now my goal is to play pro in the NHL.”
Gogolev enjoys simple things in life like Smoothies and Chicken Wings. It’s this simplicity that is reflected in his game. He has really good hands, and his skating is just as smooth. So, just who is responsible for his success? His answer really shows his inner self.
“Everyone around me-from my parents and girlfriend to my teammates and coaches have helped define me as a player, as I try to learn a little bit from every experience and everyone I meet.”
This young stud continues about his favorite food, “I can’t pick just one! I love sushi, chicken wings, pasta, salad, and borsch. Also, I make really good smoothies (but they usually have lots of weird ingredients).”
If a person saw Gogolev play for the Petes last season, one would have noticed that his hockey IQ vastly improved from the prior year. He just has a knack of knowing where to be, or where his teammates are on the ice at all times. Gogolev’s success may have been fueled by his dedication for the game, or was it his favorite player pushing him?
“Growing up I loved Joe Sakic, but now my favorite is Nikita Kucherov.”
Gogolev continues, “I think I always will work to get better hands and improve my hockey IQ, but what I’m really working on now is my defensive game.”
The Flyers are very much in need of Right Wingers. Well, Gogolev may be the answer to their prayers. He’s a gifted young prospect that has what it takes to be a Flyer. Just listen to this message from Gogolev, “I think I’m a good guy, with a good character. I always work hard, and like to think of myself as a skilled player – both a goal scorer and play maker.”
This young playmaker in Gogolev will definitely be on the Flyers radar, as Hextall is a genius at drafting hidden gems. His passion for the game could have instant ramifications in the Flyers locker room. Finally, watch this video below to see just how strong Gogolev really is:
Mandatory Photo Credit: Aaron Bell/OHL Images
