Luke Goukler Commits to RPI
The Chicago Steel product is a speedster that can really produce offense
A mid-summer recruiting flurry saw the Engineers nab the last 2 pieces to its ‘26-’27 roster, including Chicago Steel forward Luke Goukler. Goukler is a very well-regarded recruit and former Merrimack commit who came available late in the cycle. My best guess is Merrimack wanted him to do another year in the USHL, whereas RPI can offer the chance to compete for minutes in the top-9 immediately. It makes all the sense in the world for Lang, who is eager to put as many young players as he can into intense competition. Goukler’s the type of kid you want to pick up, flexing strong USHL production, a brief stint with NTDP, a Central Scouting ranking, and elite prep numbers. I’m confident that RPI’s tight checking system will harden his game enough to be a very impactful ECAC player.
His Speed and Skill Pop
Goukler’s biggest asset is undoubedtly his speed, which I think matters more given the circumstances. The ECAC is a tight checking league; it always has been. Guys that lack physicality get pushed around. But Goukler’s game is effective because he is excellent in small spaces, and his explosive skating gets him to those spots.
Look at how fast he pounces on a pocket of open ice, and before you know it the puck is in the net. He hasn’t fully reached his potential and rounded out his game in my view, but he’s intriguing to me because that skill is hard to teach. Lang is an elite player developer, and I’d rather see him nab prospects that have this ability and rely on his experience to help them fill in the gaps.
If you watch any of these clips, watch this one. Look at how quick he is getting out into open ice and making something out of nothing.
The Shot is Good but Can Be Developed
That last clip illustrates how Goukler really can tuck it under the cross bar with ease. He doesn’t need long to get the shot off and his release is super quick. However, I think his game slightly skews on the pass-first side, which is why the goal scoring production hasn’t been crazy. I think he’s at his best when he lets it rip and would love to see him do it more.
Miscellaneous Thoughts
It’s hard to really see how good his game IQ is without a full slate of tape to review. I think he has more physical skill/traits than most recruits I’ve watched, but the biggest factor is always the brain. If he can process the offensive game, I think he gets really good.
He needs to add weight. While he’s good in small spaces, puck transportation is essential to his game and he needs the strength to not get knocked off it. I think he will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the college weight room regiment. His game should look way different at 6’0 & 195 lbs than at 5’11 & 177 lbs.
Luke had a 6th round ranking from Central Scouting in 2024 and went undrafted. He played games for NTDP and developed with the Steel, two of the most prominent junior hockey organizations in the world. It’s not lost on me that Merrimack sniped a recruit from RPI at this time a year ago and now it’s seemingly come full circle. He’s got some development to do, and it might not happen immediately, but I do think Goukler can get really good. Another strong 4-star pickup from the staff, who seems entirely focused on adding youthful talent to this team. Welcome aboard Luke!