by Nic Phelan, Lead Correspondent, IceCaps Hockey Report

ST. JOHN’S, NL. — Josiah Didier is a lesser known name on the list of players projected to make the IceCaps roster. This is partly to do with the transition of the NHL moving to fast paced hockey with skilled forwards and puck moving defensemen. Didier figures to be a stay-at-home defensive defenseman.

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2011 Entry Draft, Didier opted to spend the past four years at the University of Denver. He had his most productive season with Denver this past year as he recorded three goals and eight assists over 40 games. He was alternate captain for a Pioneers team which made it to the Frozen Four last season.

After seeing his team bow out to the eventual National Champions Providence, Didier went on to sign a professional try-out contract (PTO) with the Hamilton Bulldogs and left a good enough impression on Sylvain Lefebvre and the Habs brass to be re-signed to a one year contract with the IceCaps this offseason. In his eight games under the PTO, Didier registered a single assist but played critical minutes with Nathan Beaulieu and Greg Pateryn playing with the Canadiens through their playoff run.

Didier brings a physical aspect to the back end that is missing with the absence of Pateryn and Tinordi. He’s known as a team player, a leader and isn’t afraid to play with an edge and physicality. Although he remains under the radar he figures to be leaned on heavily by the IceCaps this upcoming season mentoring young guys coming up through on how to be a professional.

In case you missed our previous player features:

IceCaps Roster Feature – Sven Andrighetto
IceCaps Roster Feature – Mark Barberio
IceCaps Roster Feature – Mac Bennett
IceCaps Roster Feature – Tim Bozon
IceCaps Roster Feature – Daniel Carr
IceCaps Roster Feature – Connor Crisp