Josiah Didier

History

2008-09: Didier played his second season with the Tier I Colorado Thunderbirds U-16 squad under former University of Denver standout Angelo Ricci.

2009-10: Didier and the U-16 Colorado Thunderbirds had an unforgettable season – winning their last 15 games and defeating the North Jersey Avalanche, 3-1, to capture the first-ever USA Hockey national championship for a Colorado-based team. The Thunderbirds defense was particularly impressive in the national tournament – coming within 14 seconds of recording shutouts in their last three games. Didier was selected in the 2nd round of the USHL Entry draft by Cedar Rapids and committed to playing college hockey at the University of Denver in 2012-13.

2010-11: Didier played a physical style of defense while also contributing offensively in his first USHL season with the Eastern Division regular season champion Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. In 58 regular season games, he scored 8 goals with 13 assists while accumulating 81 PMs and was +5. In 8 playoff games, he had 2 assists and was -3 with 7 PMs as the RoughRiders advanced to the playoff semifinals before falling to the Green Bay Gamblers in a tight checking, low scoring, four-game series. Didier was ranked 198th among North American skaters by Central scouting and selected in the fourth round (97th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2011 NHL Draft. Following the season, Didier and the University of Denver staff decided he would start his college career in 2011-12 – a year earlier than originally intended.

2011-12: Didier was brought to the University of Denver, a year early than expected for the 2011-12 NCAA season as the Pioneers' coaching staff felt that the big defenseman could help their Hockey program right away. The freshman would not disappoint them, as he played 41 games with three assists and a plus six rating while playing big minutes all season and leading the team with 68 blocked shots and 118 hits. Didier helped the Pioneers get to the WCHA Championship game against the UND when the freshman assisted on the game winning goal in a double over-time win over defending NCAA Champions Minnesota-Duluth. The Pioneers would lose 4-0 in the WCHA championship game against UND Fighting Sioux but still advanced to the NCAA Tournament. Despite suffering from a lower body injury, Didier still played in the opening round of the tournament which ended in a heart-breaking 2-1 loss to Ferris State.

 

Talent Analysis

Didier has both good size and mobility. He is a physical presence who is strong on his skates, plays with some grit, yet can make a first pass and jump up into the play offensively. A raw talent, Didier's 6'2 200-pound frame is perhaps his best asset.

 

Future

The big defenseman will be returning for his sophomore season at the University of Denver to continue his overall development and take on a bigger offensive role on their blueline corps.