To say the 2019-20 Western Hockey League season has been a tumultuous experience for Jadon Joseph would be a tremendous understatement.
If ever there seemed to be an opportunity for a player to pack it in, Joseph’s experience this season might be the very definition of why one might choose to walk away. But that’s not who he is – not what he wants to be.
From the Vancouver Giants to the Moose Jaw Warriors, Kelowna Rockets and finally to the Tri-City Americans. The 2019-20 Western Hockey League season has been a wild ride!
In this final segment, we talked about the inner-competition with the Giants during training camp and the pre-season, when the veterans knew many of them would not be staying in Vancouver as 20-year-olds.
He spoke about a decent start in Moose Jaw, despite the Warriors being a young team that was likely in for a tough time this season.
And he was candid when sharing his view regarding the state of the Kelowna Rockets, the 2020 Memorial Cup hosts who have been decimated by the injury bug and a flurry of player movement this season.
Along the way, there have been some personal highlights. In particular, the contest in Medicine Hat where he suited up for the Americans against the Tigers on Feb. 20, against his friend and former teammate, defenceman Dylan Plouffe.
Coincidentally, Plouffe was playing his 300th career regular-season game in the WHL that night, his 28th with Medicine Hat after the Giants dealt him to the Tigers in early December.
“The first couple years of my career there in Vancouver was a little tough,” Plouffe said. “We didn’t have the most winning teams, but just enjoying every day with my friends – things like that – it’s flown by quickly, but it’s been the time of my life.”
When reminded it was also a big night of sorts for Joseph, who scored once and added an assist in Tri City’s 4-2 loss, had just played in his 245th career game, Plouffe was not at all lost for words.
“It’s pretty special,” Plouffe said. “Being with him last year (in Vancouver) I know it was a time of our lives, making it to game seven.
“I mean growing up with him, playing with him when I was younger and things like that it’s pretty cool. Tonight’s my last time playing against him, so I know we’ll go talk after this and share some thoughts.”
My pal @glenerickson51 is putting together a three-part series on the career of current @TCAmericans forward Jadon Joseph. Here's a look at one of his more recent goals when he visited Glen and the @tigershockey in Medicine Hat. pic.twitter.com/dpMc5wDtF4
— Ben Dooley (@BenTDooley) February 27, 2020
Plouffe was kind enough to provide his take on the challenges his friend has had to overcome this season, what it has looked like from a distance. Three trades, four teams, and for the first time in Joseph’s career, no WHL playoffs.
“I know it’s been a tough stretch for him,” Plouffe said. “I’ve talked to him a bunch throughout the whole course of the year. He’s one of the most resilient people I know.
“It’s been tough for him but, I mean, he’s not a quitter and that’s why you see him working as hard as he is. And I know he’ll give the most he can every night.
“He’s just one of those kids who’s not taking anything for granted. He’s still working his hardest.”
The Hockey Talk with Jadon Joseph – Part 3
Jadon Joseph’s Journey: A Hockey Road Map – Tracking the Trades
Nov. 29, 2018
To REGINA: F Jadon Joseph
F Ty Kolle
1st round pick 2019 (LET) (D Layton Feist)
1st round pick 2020 (SC)
3rd round pick 2019 (LET) (F Zane Rowan)
8th round pick 2019 (SC) (D Colby Woogk)
4th round pick 2022 (LET)
conditional 3rd round pick 2021 (LET)
conditional 3rd round pick 2022 (LET)
To LETHBRIDGE:
F Jake Leschyshyn
F Nick Henry
Jan. 4, 2019
To VANCOUVER: F Jadon Joseph
To REGINA:
2nd round pick 2019 (F Samuel Huck)
6th round pick 2020
Sept. 14, 2019
To MOOSE JAW: F Jadon Joseph
To VANCOUVER:
3rd round pick 2020
5th round pick 2022
Nov. 24, 2019
To KELOWNA: F Jadon Joseph
TO MOOSE JAW:
F Kyle Crosbie
F Kobe Mohr
G James Porter
3rd round pick 2022
Jan. 9, 2020
To TRI-CITY: F Jadon Joseph
To KELOWNA:
6th round pick 2022
