Player Rep Spotlight: Josiah Didier (Grand Rapids Griffins)

Josiah Didier is the PHPA Player Representative and team Captain of the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League (AHL). Didier played four seasons at the University of Denver where he was an assistant captain in his final two seasons before turning pro with the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs in 2015. In 2019, he won a Calder Cup Championship with the Charlotte Checkers.  Didier recently completed his 9^th pro season and first with the Griffins.

How / why did you become a PHPA Player Representative and what are some of your roles and responsibilities?

I first started out as an Alternate Rep for a few years and when our main Player Rep retired, I stepped up and took over. I have been the rep ever since on a couple different teams. My responsibilities are to make sure that everyone on the team knows what their rights are as players and help answer any questions they might have. I’m kind of a middleman between the PHPA and the players, making sure everyone has all the information.

How did you enjoy your time at the University of Denver and what would be your favorite memory from your experience there?

I enjoyed every second I was at the University of Denver.  Growing up 30 minutes down the road it was my dream school.  I created so many memories at DU with guys I consider to be my brothers, it’s hard to pick just one. The Denver Hockey family is one that is truly special, and I am very proud to be a part of it.

Who would you say was the player or Coach who helped you the most during your transition from college to the pro level?

I have had too many amazing coaches and players that have helped in my transition from college to pro to name just one.  I thank all of them and definitely wouldn’t be the player or person I am today without them.

You were a member of the Charlotte Checkers team that won the Calder Cup in 2019. When you reflect on that championship run what do you believe set that team apart and made it so special?

Winning the Calder Cup was something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I think what made it so special that year and set us apart was how close we became as a team. We were constantly hanging out and having fun away from the rink together. We became a family. This made us have so much confidence in each other and just wanted to win for each other. No one cared about themselves that year, it was all about the team and doing whatever it took to win. I think that is why we were so successful and won the Calder Cup.

In 2019-20 while playing with the Providence Bruins, you led the AHL in plus/minus with an impressive +32 rating. For someone who is not overly offensive what does an achievement like that mean to you and what do you attribute to your strong defensive abilities?

It was pretty cool to lead the league in that stat that year. I think what led to that was I just try to be hard to play against and out work guys every shift. It’s something that I would consider a team stat because I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my teammates, especially our goaltending.

What attracted you to sign with the Grand Rapids Griffins this past summer and how did you enjoy your first season?

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year in Grand Rapids. The city is amazing, and the fan support is some of the best I have ever had. What really got me to want to sign here was the winning history this organization has had. From Detroit down to GR it’s such a historic first-class organization with a lot of championships. I felt it was a good fit for me overall. I want to use my experiences to help get this team back to having a winning culture and get back into the playoffs. I want to win, and I believe this organization is a place to do just that

You are currently in your third season as a Captain at the pro level.  How would you describe your leadership style, and what types of things do you do to help mentor some of the younger guys on the team? 

I would say that my leadership style is more leading by example. Making sure I’m doing the right things both on and off the ice. Being the hardest working guy in the room and pushing my teammates to be better every day. I’m not the most vocal guy but will speak up when I need to. I think that every younger guy is different, and you can’t do the same things to help mentor them. You must see and know what works for them to try and help show them what it takes to be a pro and to help them get to the next level. The big thing for me is just trying to help them build consistency and confidence in their game. If they can be consistent and relied upon every night, they will have success.

If you’re not at the rink, where would one most likely find you and what would you be doing?

If I wasn’t at the rink, you would most likely find me on the golf course or doing something with my fiancé and 2 dogs.

Favourite place you’ve travelled to? Favourite place you want to travel to?

My favorite place I have travelled to is Iceland. It is a beautiful country with so much to see and do. I really want to travel to Italy, which I will be traveling to this summer.

What type of music do you enjoy listening to most and who are some of your favorite artists?

I mostly listen to Country music. My favorite artists are Russell Dickerson, Zach Bryan, Luke Combs

Favorite food?

Chicken Parm