Gobel, evident of the league’s pipeline of development, has used that process to commit to Western Connecticut State University for the Fall of 2025.

Gobel entered the EHLP in the 2022-23 season, joining the then expansion franchise Union Junior Thunder. Coached by Thunder head coach Sam Tafel at the high school level and with some juniors games in his background, Gobel was named captain and backed it up on the ice. He tallied 18 goals and 8 assists, leading his squad. 

“It made complete sense for me,” Gobel said of deciding to play in the EHLP. “P, combined with EHL, there’s a lot of commitments out of there. Why wouldn’t I go to a league where I can’t get to the next level and keep going from there?”

Dreaming of playing college hockey since he was a kid, he set his sights on the goal as he developed through his EHLP season.

“It was a crucial season for me, especially from a confidence standpoint. Coming out of high school, it taught me I could be an effective player in junior hockey and make that effect at the next level. Coach Tafel gave me all the opportunities in the world to make that happen. I had confidence in myself because he trusted me throughout that process.”

With that confidence, Gobel made the trip to Brewster, New York, suiting up for the New York Apple Core at the EHL level for his sophomore season with the league. However, in his third and final season, his production has soared. Now serving as the captain of the Apple Core, his numbers jumped from 11 points last year to a team leading 17 goals and 20 assists this season. 

Citing the speed of decision making and processing of the game, he believes the mental aspect was the biggest adjustment from Premier to EHL. However, that didn’t stop him from grinding all summer.

“I was in the gym almost every day. I tried to stay on the ice five times a week. I knew I played my role my first EHL year, but I wanted to be the guy that took control this year. That was my motivation for this year, and I emulated the guys that were ahead of me.”

His hard work paid off, earning a commitment to Western Connecticut State University, where he’ll join current teammate Liam Lane. He describes the decision as a “no brainer,” relishing the opportunity to help inaugurate a new program and instill a new culture. 

With the weight of a commitment off his shoulders and the dream of playing college hockey around the corner, Gobel will continue to lead the Apple Core through the stretch run of their regular season. Leading both on and off the ice, he serves as an example of what “trusting the process” can do.