From The Horses Mouth: Bobby Goepfert

When the Penguins drafted 5’10 goaltender Bobby Goepfert in the 6th round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Bobby didn’t walk onto stage in front of a group of cameras to put a Penguins sweater on for the first time and no press conference was assembled.

It was day two of the draft and most people felt the goaltender, coming off a fantastic USHL season, was a bit too small to ever make it into the NHL.

Years later, the drafting of Bobby Goepfert looks like the move of a well-educated organization that knew what they might be getting.

Goepfert got his start with the Cedar Rapids Roughriders of the USHL, an experience he says honed his game and was beneficial heading into college.

“Definitely, the transition was much smoother on my end,” he said. “Playing 60 some games plus playoffs at a competitive level with good players got me geared up for college. It was a good environment, the competition was great.”

That great year for him (2.04 GAA, .936%) still didn’t propel him into the higher rounds of the draft. Goepfert has come to use his draft spot as a motivator.

“Everybody has their own ego, a bunch of guys go before you, and you definitely have that chip on your shoulder,” he said. “It made me work harder. It was an extra motivator. I wouldn’t say that I would have ever grown complacent if I went earlier, but it’s good for your attitude.”

Goepfert, a New York native, had no preference for the draft. He just wanted to make it.

“I wasn’t desperate to go anywhere. I grew up an Islanders fan, but I actually shifted towards the Nordiques, but that changed as they left for Colorado. I just wanted to go to someone that wanted me, and when Pittsburgh called me I felt like they would give me a chance. It worked out.”

The debate on Goepfert in 2002 revolved around his size, Listed at 5’10, 170lbs, he learned to play within the limits of his stature, especially as he drops weight throughout the year.

“As the year goes on, sometimes I get down to about 150 (pounds), you’re working so hard that you’re sweating it out.”

Goepfert had to rely on his speed and agility to take him to the top.

“I think the early trend was big blockers, size guys, but now in the new NHL it’s better for small guys that are fast. You need agility. That’s my strength, quickness and agility. I like playing this way. It’s definitely fun and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

Goepfert then moved on to college, playing for Providence. During his first year he played 13 games and put on a solid performance, but things soon went south.

“There’s a lot of emotion there. I wasn’t having fun playing hockey.”

The flashy goaltender was benched. He was out of his starting spot and Providence wouldn’t release him unless they knew he would go west. Goepfert spent the 2004/05 season trying his best to stay in shape without getting steady playing time.

“I practiced a lot with the team because they hadn’t released me. I played in a few summer leagues up here and got a lot of shots. I hit the weight room and worked on my skills. It was actually really good for me.”

Goepfert recovered and headed west for the St. Cloud State Huskies -- a place he feels he didn’t give a good enough chance when heading into his collegiate career.

“I didn’t give St. Cloud a fair shot. They had contacted me, but I wanted to stay out East. So I really shut off some of the western schools.”

St. Cloud welcomed him with open arms and he, consequently, has been a key part of their recent turnaround.

“St. Cloud is a great college town. The school, the coaches, the fans, I think it’s the best place at this level.”

Goepfert received the award for Huskies team MVP last year, but it’s an award that isn’t as important to him as the success of the Huskie’s as a team.

“I’m not satisfied with the individual. I’m happy I’m helping the team out,” Goepfert said. “I wanted to help any way that I could. Last year we turned it around from a rough season the previous year and actually finished 1 point out of home ice. I think we’re beating the odds, I’m more satisfied with how far we’ve made it.”

With a good goalie in net, the Huskies are headed for a good seed in this year’s March NCAA Tournament.

“We’re a battle tested team,” he said. “Just the other night we were down 3-1 and getting outworked, we never backed down though, and we fought back. I think we are dangerous come tournament time.”

Now, fans are eager to pencil Goepfert into a spot with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Baby Penguins. Focused on the task at hand, Goepfert said he finds himself looking ahead at times.

“I’m just excited for the chance to move on and see what comes next. It’s a great opportunity for me. I need to finish my job as a Huskie before I’m a Penguin, but you definitely daydream.”

Daydream, indeed. Goepfert is well aware of the situation in Pittsburgh and has even had a chance to watch the Steel City's young stars.

“Some of my friends have center ice, and I’ve seen a few games. The team is really exciting with all the young guys. They’ll be scary good in a couple of years, or even sooner. It’s exciting to know I’m their property, and it’s great to think of the possibilities of playing there.”

Penguins’ fans should be excited, too. Goepfert has established himself as a steady, agile goaltender who could help form a solid punch for the young team in the near future.