Topic: Alex Goligoski

Alex Rupert Goligoski (born July 30, 1985) is a professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League. Goligoski was drafted by the Penguins in the second round, 61st overall, of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. After being drafted, Goligoski completed 3 years of collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota. He began his professional career with the Penguins AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in 2007. Goligoski was recalled by the Pittsburgh Penguins 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 played for Pittsburgh, registering his first point, an assist, on March 1 against the Ottawa Senators. He was a member of the 2008-2009 Stanley Cup winning Penguins team.

Given 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.

On June 15, 2009, it was announced that Goligoski had signed an extension with the Penguins worth 5.5 million over three years.