Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen spoke with Grand Rapids Griffins coach Dan Watson regarding Red Wings prospect goaltender Sebastian Cossa:
“Every day before practice, he’s prepared for practice,” Watson said. “And that’s a growth that I’ve seen from when I first saw him in Toledo all the way till now. And it’s translating into wins, form, and good performances on the ice.”
His focus and preparation has helped Cossa, 22, post a 14-8-3 record with a 2.20 GAA and .920 save percentage. His focus and competitiveness even extended to the AHL All-Star game where he helped the Watson-coached Central Division team beat the Atlantic Division 2-1 in the shootout to win the AHL All-Star Challenge. Cossa and Milwaukee Admirals goalie Mike Murray combined to give up only seven goals in four games for the Central Division.
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Cossa faced obstacles this season, like the fact that the Red Wings have three goalies playing in Grand Rapids. Ville Husso and Jack Campbell both have considerable NHL experience.
“The three goalies probably right now was throwing him off a little bit,” Watson said. “But to spin that to a positive, he’s had more time in the gym to get stronger. He’s had more time off the ice, do other cognitive learning things that resources that we have here. And then in that it’s. For him, it’s all about his daily habits and what he does, his routine.”
Even with three goalies sharing time, Cossa will still get close to 40 games this season.
“His development,” Watson said,”I think is on the right track and the right path.”
