From Undrafted to 783 NHL Games: The Rise of Josh Gorges and His Journey to the BC Hockey Hall of Fame
In the high-stakes world of the NHL, being "undrafted" is often perceived to be a polite way of being told you aren’t quite enough. For Josh Gorges, that label wasn't a roadblock; it was a catalyst. Gorges proved the scouts wrong and went on to play 783 NHL games. And to help put a bow on his career, by honouring a player who transformed a lack of draft pedigree into a 13-season masterclass in resilience and sacrifice, it was recently announced that the Kelowna-born defenseman was inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
The Foundation: A Rocket Built for Takeoff
Gorges’ journey is a love letter to British Columbia hockey. Long before the bright lights of the NHL, he was a major part of the Kelowna Rockets’ heartbeat; his leadership was undeniable. As captain, he led the Rockets to the pinnacle of junior hockey: the 2004 Memorial Cup championship on home ice. That same year, he earned a silver medal with Team Canada at the World Juniors. Despite his trophy case, Gorges went unselected in the NHL Entry Draft, eventually signing as a free agent with the San Jose Sharks.
The Pro Years: Sacrifice as an Art Form
Gorges’ NHL career spanned 783 regular-season games; suiting up for San Jose, Montreal, and Buffalo. In 2011-12, he finished first in the NHL with 250 blocked shots, and he was one of two Montreal players to appear in all 82 games. His commitment to the Montreal crest was so deep that he blocked a trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs, commenting that his loyalty and commitment could only exist on one side of the Montreal-Toronto rivalry. He eventually concluded his career as a veteran leader for the Buffalo Sabres.
Cool Fact: In 2011-12, Josh Gorges led the Montreal Canadiens with a plus-14 rating.
The “Call to the Hall”: Joining the BC Greats
Gorges enters the BC Hockey Hall of Fame alongside an illustrious 2026 class, including two-time Stanley Cup winner Andrew Ladd, Ottawa Senators head coach Travis Green, official Malcom Ashford, iconic broadcaster Daryl Reaugh, and the 2008-09 and 2009-10 Vernon Vipers .
Gorges’ induction is a reminder to every undrafted hockey player that your ceiling is determined by your will, not your draft slot.