OAK FOREST, IL - The Chicago Crush have been riding a wave of momentum lately, and at the heart of it all is 19-year-old rookie forward Jason Gongol. "The Gong Show" has been nothing short of electric this season, and last week, he took his game to another level, earning the prestigious Midwest Division Player of the Week honors. Let’s break down why Gongol is not just a rising star but a full-blown supernova in the making.
Jason Gongol Had A Week for the Ages
Over the past week, Gongol averaged a jaw-dropping 2.67 points per game, tallying two goals and six assists across three contests. But it’s not just the numbers—it’s how he’s doing it. Gongol plays with the kind of poise and creativity that makes you forget he’s a rookie. His vision on the ice is borderline clairvoyant, threading passes through traffic like he’s got a GPS embedded in his stick. And when he decides to shoot? Forget about it. The kid’s release is quicker than a hiccup, and his accuracy is surgical.
Consistency is Key
What’s even more impressive is Gongol’s consistency. He’s currently riding a seven-game point streak that started back on December 6, and he shows no signs of slowing down. In 19 games this season, he’s racked up 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists), including two game-winning goals. For a rookie, those numbers are absurd. It’s like watching a young Igor Larionov—crafty, deceptive, and always one step ahead of the competition. Gongol’s ability to control the pace of the game and make everyone around him better is reminiscent of the Russian Professor himself.
Grit Meets Skill
But let’s not get it twisted—Gongol isn’t just a finesse player. He’s got an edge to his game, too. With 26 penalty minutes this season, he’s shown he’s not afraid to mix it up in the corners or stand his ground when the game gets chippy. It’s that combination of skill and grit that makes him such a nightmare for opposing teams.
Coach’s Corner: Phil Bushbacher Weighs In
Premier assistant coach Phil Bushbacher had high praise for Gongol’s recent performance:
"Jason’s got that ‘it’ factor. You can’t teach what he has. He’s got the skill, the vision, and the drive to be great. But what really impresses me is his humility. He’s always looking to learn, always looking to get better. That’s the mark of a player who’s going to have a long, successful career in this game."
The Future is Bright
Gongol’s impact on the Crush has been undeniable. He’s not just putting up points; he’s elevating the entire team. Whether it’s setting up his linemates with tape-to-tape passes or burying a clutch goal when the team needs it most, Gongol has quickly become the heartbeat of this squad. And at just 19 years old, the scary part is that he’s only going to get better.
Final Thoughts
So here’s to Jason Gongol, the Midwest Division Player of the Week and the future of the Chicago Crush. The Gong Show is in full swing, and folks, you don’t want to miss it. If this kid keeps playing like this, we’re not just talking about a standout rookie season—we’re talking about a legacy in the making. Keep your eyes on #10, Crush fans. The best is yet to come.
From the entire Chicago Crush organization, congratulations Jason, on being named the Midwest Division Player of the Week!