Episode 358 New York Islanders prospect Josh Kotai.
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New York Islanders prospect Josh Kotai played junior hockey in Vermont and North Battleford, Saskatchewan before earning two exceptional NCAA seasons at Augustana University, where he was a Mike Richter Award finalist as the top goalie in college hockey. Kotai's father Alex is a self-taught adult goalie who became the Vancouver Canucks practice goalie and Josh's personal coach. Younger brother Nick also plays goal, while brother Reilley plays forward at Northern Michigan.
- Josh Kotai took a non-traditional path to an NHL contract — junior hockey in Vermont and Saskatchewan preceded his NCAA career at Augustana University.
- Kotai was a Mike Richter Award finalist, recognizing him as one of the top goalies in college hockey before signing with the New York Islanders.
- Kotai's father Alex is a self-taught adult goalie who became the Vancouver Canucks practice goalie and serves as Josh's personal coach.
- Brandon Bussi's Stanley Cup win with the Carolina Hurricanes is cited as a reminder that undrafted goalies should not measure themselves against others' timelines.
- The new Bauer Fuze chest protector is now available in a women's-specific model.
Episode 358 of the InGoal Radio Podcast, presented by The Hockey Shop Source for Sports, features recently signed New York Islanders prospect Josh Kotai.Â
Feature Interview
presented by NHL Sense Arena
In the feature interview presented by NHL Sense Arena, Kotai shares valuable insights from a unique path to signing with the Islanders this spring — and making his pro debut in the AHL — after two exceptional NCAA seasons at Augustana University, where he was a Mike Richter Award finalist this season as the top goalie in college hockey (among many accolades and awards). It wasn't a straight line to an NHL contract for Kotai, who played junior in Vermont and North Battleford, Saskatchewan before getting a chance to play college hockey, but it is loaded with incredible stories and lessons, including the most unique right-catch origin stories we've ever heard. Kotai also talks about growing up in a family of passionate goalies, with his dad, Alex, coming back to the game as a self-taught adult to become the Vancouver Canucks practice goalie and his personal coach, and younger brother Nick also playing the position, while other younger brother Reilley is a forward at Northern Michigan. This really is a can't miss interview.
Parent Segment
presented by Stop It Goaltending U
Speaking of undrafted goalies, in the Parent Playbook, presented by Stop it Goaltending U the App, we talk about not getting caught up in other people's timelines during drafts, something that is important to remember for parents and young goalies, and driven home by the success of goalies like Kotai and Stanley Cup winner Brandon Bussi of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Pro Reads
presented by Vizual EdgeSpeaking of Bussi, he's back for a second straight Pro Reads, presented by Vizual Edge, to celebrate his success as he breaks down a double-lateral attack from his first NHL game. And in
Weekly Gear Segment
presented by The Hockey Shop Source for SportsAnd in our weekly gear segment, we head to The Hockey Shop Source for Sports, for a look at the new Bauer Fuze chest protector, which is now also available in a women's specific model.
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