Curtis Joseph, also known as Cujo, is a former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 19 seasons. He was born on April 29, 1967, in Keswick, Ontario, Canada, and began his hockey career playing for the University of Wisconsin Badgers in 1987.
Joseph was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 1989 and made his NHL debut in 1989-90. He played for the Blues for five seasons, during which he established himself as one of the league's top goaltenders. In 1993-94, he led the NHL in wins with 36 and was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's top goaltender.
In 1995, Joseph signed with the Edmonton Oilers, where he played for three seasons. He continued to excel, earning his second Vezina Trophy nomination in 1998. In 1998-99, he led the Oilers to the playoffs, where they upset the Dallas Stars in the first round.
After his time in Edmonton, Joseph played for several teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Phoenix Coyotes, and Calgary Flames. He was known for his acrobatic style and his ability to make spectacular saves. He was also a fan favorite, known for his friendly demeanor and his willingness to sign autographs and interact with fans.
Joseph's career highlights include being a six-time NHL All-Star, winning a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics, and being inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. He retired from professional hockey in 2010 with a career record of 454 wins, 352 losses, and 91 ties.
Off the ice, Joseph has been involved in various charitable causes, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society. He has also written a memoir, titled "Cujo: The Untold Story of My Life On and Off the Ice," which was published in 2018.
Overall, Curtis Joseph had a successful and memorable career in the NHL, earning the respect and admiration of fans and fellow players alike. His legacy as one of the league's top goaltenders will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
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