Alex Goligoski

Alex Goligoski
Goligoski in October 2014.
Born	(1985-07-30) July 30, 1985 (age 31) Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Height	5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight	185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Position	Defense
Shoots	Left
NHL team Former teams	Arizona Coyotes Pittsburgh Penguins Dallas Stars
National team	United States
NHL Draft	61st overall, 2004 Pittsburgh Penguins
Playing career	2007–present

Alexander Marcus Flint Goligoski (born July 30, 1985) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who currently plays for the Arizona Coyotes of the National Hockey League (NHL). During his NHL career, he has also played for the Dallas Stars and Pittsburgh Penguins, the organization that drafted him in the second round, 61st overall, in 2004.

Goligoski was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round from Grand Rapids High School (ThunderHawks), 61st overall, of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. After being drafted, Goligoski completed three years of college ice hockey at the University of Minnesota, where he was assistant captain with Kellen Briggs.

He began his professional career with the Penguins' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in 2007. Goligoski was then recalled by Pittsburgh on February 5, 2008, and played his first NHL game against the Boston Bruins on February 13. After being returned to Wilkes-Barre, he again later recalled by Pittsburgh, registering his first point, an assist, on March 1 against the Ottawa Senators.

Due to injuries to Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney, Goligoski began the 2008–09 season on the roster for Pittsburgh. He scored his first NHL goal in his first game that season against Alex Auld of the Ottawa Senators. On November 13, Goligoski scored on his first shootout attempt of his career; the goal won the game for the Penguins. He was a member of the 2009 Stanley Cup-winning Penguins team.