Josiah Didier, a long time DU fan, joins the Pioneer hockey squad as a freshman with high expectations after an impressive United States Hockey League season in 2010-2011.
Growing up with a Canadian mother and a father from Chicago, his childhood was heavily influenced by his parents’ passion for hockey.
“My mom especially grew up loving it,” said Didier. “Once I got my first stick and started skating, I’ve loved it ever since,”.
Didier attended Thunder Ridge High School in Highlands Ranch, Colo., attaining the U16 AAA Hockey Club national championship while playing for the Colorado Thunderbirds in 2010. He graduated from Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
“I was offered to play both for CC and DU,” said Didier. “I’ve been a Denver fan my whole life, though. It was my dream to come here. The history of the program and the school is just unbelievable.”
As a member of the DU hockey team, according to Didier, he expects to face off with past teammates from the Rough Riders.
“We’ll be playing Nebraska, Minnesota, North Dakota and Boston, so I’ll definitely be playing a couple of the guys,” said Didier.
In addition to daily three-hour practices, special strengthtraining exercises and games, hockey players must keep up with high-level academic curriculum. Having played for most of his life, Didier is used to the ways in which the sport influences outside factors of his lifestyle.
“I’ve got to be careful of what I eat and I’ve got to keep my body in good shape so I can perform the highest level I can,” said Didier. “I try to get as much sleep as possible.”
According to Didier, constant involvement with hockey does not hinder his academic performance but forces him to figure out ways to equally distribute his time and focus.
“I think it’s just a lot about time management. You just have to be good with how you do your schoolwork along with practice,” said Didier. “There’s plenty of time to get done what I need to get done. Travel time [to and from games] really helps with studying.”
While he has not yet declared a major, Didier intends to study business, though he is aiming for a professional career within the NHL.
“My main goal is athletic,” said Didier. “If it doesn’t work out, I think I’d do well with business.”
