[3] With a slightly undersized physical frame as a winger, Van der Gulik relied on his offensive ability and hardworking mentality to increase his goal totals in each of his sophomore and junior years.

[5] After missing the first few months of the season with the still undiagnosable injury, Van der Gulik was initially a candidate to be red-shirted and receive another year of college eligibility.

However, with ambitions to turn pro the following year, the vexing injury subsided, and Van der Gulik set up the winning goal in his return on December 30, 2005 against Merrimack College.

[citation needed] Van der Gulik spent the entire 2009–10 season in his hometown with new Flames AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Heat, finishing second in scoring with 40 points.

[citation needed] On July 1, 2014, Van der Gulik ended his four-year tenure with the Avalanche organization to sign a one-year contract as a free agent with the Los Angeles Kings.

[17] Upon his return to the AHL, Van der Gulik added a veteran presence in scoring 25 points in 57 games, to contribute in helping the Monarchs capture the Calder Cup.