Dakota Joshua, an American professional ice hockey forward for the Vancouver Canucks, credits her parents, especially her mother, who have been the most incredible supporters of his hockey journey.
When the Toronto Maple Leafs selected him in the 2014 NHL entry draft, he was unaware of the draft. Later, he received a phone call from the Toronto management.
He played junior ice hockey for the Honeybaked under-16 team and was invited to the USA Hockey Select National Team evaluation camp.
The Sioux Falls Stampede drafted him in the third round of the United States Hockey League (USHL) draft following the 2011–12 season. However, after splitting the 2012–13 season between Honeybaked and the USHL, Plymouth Whalers drafted him in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection.
NHL Central Scouting Bureau ranked him 157th overall amongst North American skaters. He spent two seasons with the Stampede and helped them to win the 2015 Clark Cup championship.
Although the Toronto Maple Leafs drafted him, he didn’t play for them and continued his freshman season at Ohio State University. Ohio State Scholar-Athlete and Academic All-Big Ten team selected him.
His rights were traded to the St. Louis Blues on July 12, 2019, and he made his NHL debut on March 1, 2021.
It was all I expected and then some. Playing in the National Hockey League is the biggest honor you can have in the sport of hockey. So, it was an unreal experience to be a part of the club today.
Dakota Joshua’s Parents Fueld His Passion For Success
Dakota Joshua was born in Dearborn, Michigan, on May 15, 1996. He participated in Black History Month and is of African American descent. His mother, Jullee Joshua, has always been his most significant source of motivation.
In numerous interviews, he has frequently discussed his mother but has never mentioned his father. His parents divorced when he and his brothers, Jagger and Bishop, were young. Jagger also plays hockey and faced a racist attack during an NCAA hockey game. Later, Dakota denounced racist language.
Dakota credits her mother’s passion for hockey as an inspiration behind his career, and she played a significant role in his hockey journey. Jullee participated in various hockey leagues and represented teams like the Michigan Polar Bears and the New Jersey Quarry.
Likewise, she played in the Metro Senior Women’s Hockey League (MSWHL). When she gave birth to Dakota, it was clear that she would instill the values of sportsmanship and involve him in sports.
Dakota has shared how his mother pushed his passion for hockey, and his first NHL goal celebration included a tribute to his mother.
I would say that she was my introduction, I don’t think that I would have played hockey if my mom didn’t play. I like other sports, too. I played basketball until my sophomore year in high school. But I can say for sure that I wouldn’t have been a hockey player if it wasn’t for her.
His mother never considered him a normal kid, and he always had a ball or a stick in his hand instead of watching cartoons.
His parents worried about him when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which kept him on long-term injured reserve. However, they provided him with mental support and encouraged him to look for future goals.
Dakota expressed gratitude for his mother, who helped him achieve his dream.
