By Justin Vézina | AHL Rhythm
When Laval Rocket Signs Josiah Didier It’s mid-October and there’s a sense of déjà vu.
That's not because the defenseman has worn a Rockets jersey before, but because this isn't his first time playing for the Canadiens affiliate. Far from it.
In 2011, Didier was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the fourth round of the NHL Draft (97th overall). He went on to play 100 games for the AHL affiliates, the Hamilton Bulldogs and St. John's IceCaps.
What follows is an adventure across the AHL. He spent two seasons with the Charlotte Checkers and won the Calder Trophy. Didier went on to become a pillar and captain of the Providence Bruins and Grand Rapids Griffins.
More than 14 years after he was drafted, he returned to the Canadiens. Rockets assistant coach recommendation Daniel JacobThe 6-foot-3 defender was so impressed that he arrived in Laval on Oct. 13 for a pro tryout.
“I didn't really have a deal, no training camp or anything. So I was at home, skating by myself, training and trying to stay in shape and hopefully get a call somewhere. I felt like I had a few miles left in the tank. And then I got the call here and I was excited.”
Didier has since become the fourth player to suit up for Montreal's final three teams – the Rockets, Ice Caps and Bulldogs. His impact was felt immediately. In less than a month, his tryout turned into a full AHL contract.
'I don't know him,' admits coach Pascal Vincent. “But I can tell you, he's an unbelievable guy. Whatever it is for the team, that's what he wants. He knows his role. He's a big man who's good at breaking up the game, five-on-five, blocking shots and making sure the goaltender sees the puck. He's very valuable defensively.”
The addition of Didier to Laval's blue line – which ranks fifth in the AHL in goals per game – certainly helped. But that wasn't the only thing Vincent noticed.
“Didier brings a lot more to the table than what you see on the ice,” Vincent said. “He's a guy who's always been around and here to support (the captain) Lucas) condo tower And our veteran regiment. His attitude was outstanding and exemplary. He is an outstanding person. What he does in the room will have an impact on our young players on the ice that is hard to quantify. “
That's an apt description for a player who has earned AHL Player of the Year honors with his team the past three seasons.
Therefore, it's no surprise that the Rockets favored the steady defenseman with over 500 games of AHL experience. And the feeling is clearly mutual.
“It’s great to be here,” said Didier, a Littleton, Colo., native and University of Denver graduate. “The staff is top-notch and takes care of all the little details. We have a great group of people. It's a lot of fun and the fans are great. The passion they have in this city for hockey and the Rockets is amazing.”
The Rockets will rely on Didier's leadership as they aim to finally reach the Calder Cup finals after making two conference finals appearances in the last four years. According to a player who already has a championship ring, these ingredients are already there.
“I think we have a great team here,” Didier said. “We're very close and a very tight group and that's where it all starts. You have to become a family and I think we're going to have that. The important thing for us is to be consistent every night on the ice and continue to get better.”
Now it depends on whether the Rockets can tide over the difficulties.
