A forward who's spent the last two seasons playing for Okanagan-based WHL and BCHL teams heard his name called during the 2024 NHL draft on Saturday, June 29.

Hiroki Gojsic, a Kelowna Rockets winger and Penticton Vees alumni, was selected by the Nashville Predators in the third round (94th overall).

The Langley product posted 50 points in 68 games with Kelowna in 2023-2024, after playing in 36 regular-season contests with Penticton when it won the Fred Page Cup in 2022-2023.

Gojsic, 18, played in 11 playoff games with the Rockets in 2024 and recorded five assists.

Nashville's selection marked the second time a Rocket had been selected during this year's draft.

On Friday night, Gojsic's teammate, Tij Iginla, was taken by the Utah Hockey Club in the first round (sixth overall).

The 2024 NHL Entry Draft, taking place at the Sphere in Las Vegas, wraps up Saturday afternoon.