Josh Harding

Team Number:	29
Birth Date:	06/18/1984
Height:	6'1"
Weight:	176lbs.
Position:	Goalie

More Info
Josh Harding was born on June 18, 1984 in Regina, Saskatchewan. He started playing hockey at the age of four thanks to his father's urging. Growing up, his favorite team was the Toronto Maple Leafs and his favorite player was their goalie Felix Potvin. Josh Harding was noticed by the Minnesota Wild in the 2002 NHL entry draft and was taken in the second round as the 38th overall pick.

Before being called up in the 2005-06 season, Josh Harding spent time in the amateur WHL league and the professional AHL league. In 2002-03, Josh Harding was named WHL Most Valuable Player and Goaltender of the Year. In all, Josh Harding spent three seasons in the amateur WHL with the Regina and Brandon teams. His combined record was 70-62-19. Harding's success continued with Houston Aeros in the AHL, as he led his team with 21 wins and was fifth in the league in goals against in the 2004-05 season. His performance persuaded the Minnesota Wild to call Josh Harding up in the 2005-06 season on March 8.

In his second career Minnesota Wild appearance, Josh Harding recorded a 2-0 shutout by stopping all 27 shots fired at him versus Chicago on April, 4, 2006. In all, Josh Harding's first three NHL appearances totaled up to a record of 2-1-0 with a 2.59 GAA and a .904 save percentage. Josh Harding has been called upon for a bigger role this season because of the injury to Manny Fernandez, and he has responded extremely well, posting a 3-1-1 record with a 1.16 GAA and a 96 percent save percentage.

Josh Harding lives in his hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan during the off-season. Some of "Hards" hobbies include golfing, watching movies and hanging out with friends. His most memorable hockey experience is his first NHL hockey game. He likes to play on the road in Vancouver as well as Rexall Place in Edmonton, but he loves to play in front of the Minnesota Wild fans more than anything.