2011 NHL Draft: Rocco Grimaldi Makes History in the Second Round

History was made at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft during the second round on Saturday. 

Rocco Grimaldi become the shortest player ever selected in the NHL draft when the Florida Panthers selected him 33rd overall. 

At 5'6", 165 pounds, what Grimaldi lacks in size, he more than makes up in character.

Grimaldi is a devout Christian and not afraid to admit it.

Grimaldi reads the bible everyday and even plans on becoming a pastor sometime in his life.

His twitter account (@RGrimaldi23) has numerous posts with inspiring passages of the bible.

He has committed to play for the University of North Dakota next season, and he has already begun looking at churches in the Grand Forks area. 

Open and devout faith is a unique feature for any athlete.  

Some experts have said that this profession of faith is one factor that dropped his draft status into the second round, he was originally projected to be a late first round pick. But Rocco is not going to change his ways, no matter what anyone says.

Faith aside, Grimaldi has the skill to back up his 33rd overall selection. 

He played for the USA Hockey National Team Development program in the USHL (United States Hockey League) where he had 62 points in 50 games.

In the 2009 World Under-17 championships, he finished the tournament with a gold medal and earned the most assists and most points in the tournament.

Rocco was born in Anaheim, Calif., not exactly the typical birthplace for an American prospect, but the lack of competition never stopped him.

In Southern California, Grimaldi played both ice and roller hockey against kids twice his age.

Grimaldi hopes to become a role model for people his size, people from California and people of faith.

This is a tall order, but one he looks foreword to completing. 

He's done pretty well so far.