Josh Ho-Sang says coaches would warn kids not to play like him. The Maple Leafs minor-leaguer wants to change that narrative – Toronto Star
Josh Ho-Sang appears to be in no rush to get back into the NHL. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to be in the NHL. That’s the goal, to earn a spot with the Maple Leafs, this season if all goes well.
But he also knows he has time with the Toronto Marlies and he sees it as a gift, not so much to develop his talent, but to redevelop his talent.
“I feel like my whole life, I’ve been that kid where everyone says: ‘He’s really good. Don’t ever play hockey like him,’ ” Ho-Sang said recently after Marlies practice. “All I’m really focused on is being a good hockey player through and through.
“I just want to be that player that coaches can say: ‘You should play like him.’ ”
That Ho-Sang has NHL-level offensive talent, by now, goes without saying. He’s among the AHL goal-scoring leaders with eight in 13 games this season.
But it’s his play without the puck that’s been the issue. For players who have always been the best player on their teams growing up, learning defence can be the hardest part of playing professionally, a lesson Ho-Sang is taking to heart.
“When you’re a skilled player, you want the puck and you get the puck a lot. And because of that, sometimes you don’t go after the puck,” said Ho-Sang.
Every player in the NHL was once the best on his team growing up. When they get to the NHL, their place in the hierarchy changes. Getting the puck is harder. Defence — the act of retrieving the puck to go on offence — is far more important. And that is what Ho-Sang is working on.
“It’s just about working hard, away from the puck. Building that relentlessness into your game, and also being responsible,” said Ho-Sang. “This is my best defensive season so far that I’ve had. I’m proud of that, I like that.”
Marlies coach Greg Moore likes how Ho-Sang is growing as a player.
“He’s doing a really good job at self-reflecting and re-evaluating after every game where he’s at, what he’s doing,” said Moore. “We’re seeing a lot of strong gains in his game of things that he knows he needs to work on, whether it’s his defensive spots, his compete on 50-50 pucks defensively, or even …….