Last night, it was another five-hour journey, but the Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, called our names. An important match-up between the Grand Rapids Griffins and the ten-game winning streak Cleveland Monsters wasn’t the headliner. Instead, it was Sebastian Cossa’s bobblehead night.
Promotions aren’t usually my thing, but Cossa is my mom’s favorite player. Over the last two seasons, he’s become one of mine as well.
Cossa is as competitive as I’ve seen. Whether he’s practicing on the ice, playing in a game, or attempting to get the most money for his jersey being auctioned after a Grand Rapids Griffins game, Cossa wants to win. He’s a determined, sometimes over-the-top, individual.
As for the Detroit Red Wings goaltending, outside of veteran and former University of Alabama Huntsville (UAH) Charger Cam Talbot, it has been uncertain. While many people thought four National Hockey League (NHL) caliber goaltenders were overkill to start the season, all but one are left standing. Although Jack Campbell is active on the Grand Rapids Griffins roster, he hasn’t seen any game action. He served as a backup this weekend but didn’t actually play. Meanwhile, Ville Husso is the last of the game-ready veterans the Detroit Red Wings have in the system. As such, they have recalled Cossa from the Grand Rapids Griffins to fill in—at least for the time being.
We haven’t received any updates specifically (as of writing this) on what the plan is. Since the recall is under emergency circumstances, it seems like both Talbot and Alex Lyon, who aren’t up to skating, let alone getting back into practice, might be out for a while. Cossa may be up just a back-up but may be just as likely to see action in game(s).
Detroit Red Wings goaltending prospect Sebastian Cossa has been recalled, here’s what to expect from him
UPDATE: The #RedWings have recalled goaltender Sebastian Cossa from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions. pic.twitter.com/qsuuGJNTXN
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 2, 2024
Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson, both gigantic human beings, but now Detroit Red Wings fans might get to watch a 6’6” goaltender in their net to back up the huge defensemen.
Cossa isn’t a typical over-sized goaltender either.
He’s always been an athletic guy.
Skating surprisingly well (as a goaltender and for his size), Cossa is active all over the ice. Although it will drive some fans crazy, I have appreciated this aspect of Cossa’s game as much as any aspect. Just shy of battling along the boards for pucks, Cossa retrieves pucks and makes breakout passes routinely. For a team that isn’t the strongest on defense anymore, Cossa’s additional support has done wonders for the Grand Rapids Griffins team.
As he’s matured, Cossa’s mental strength has as well. It shows in his ever-improving technique, which has come a long way from his junior days. The incredible, back-breaking saves aren’t as common anymore with the improved technique and his positioning. Also, his puck tracking is great and only getting better, too, which is helping to alleviate the need for spectacular saves.
Of course, Cossa still possesses the athleticism and his determination to kill a play, no matter how ridiculous it might seem. Cossa never stops trying to make a save until the whistle blows or it’s in the net—it’s just not a part of his DNA.
He’s truly one of the most competitive guys I’ve seen come through the Grand Rapids Griffins organization. Similar to Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, and Marco Kasper, they all have that over-the-top competitive spirit.
Off of the ice, I’m not sure there’s a more charismatic player. Cossa is the opposite of what I’ve heard about goalies. Very chatty and friendly, Cossa seems to want to be in the center of things. During most water breaks on the ice, you will find Cossa at the bench, chatting it up with anyone whose ear is available. Cossa even calls his teammates his brothers, which is always nice to hear.
Similar to Petr Mrázek, a former Detroit Red Wings goaltender that I love, he has some ‘tude. He’s not someone who backs down from anyone or anything. This circumstance hasn’t come about yet, as far as I know, but I’m pretty sure Cossa could take more than one punch in a fight, too, which is a relief if it ever comes to that (and it might given how firey Cossa can get).
For a Detroit Red Wings team that looks somber and low in energy at times, Cossa is a guy who brings personality and energy and steals a few saves. Every so often, there is a blemish on his goals, but that will happen. More important is the way that Cossa responds. Cossa’s mental toughness comes out in spades when he needs to rebound. It might not be that night, but I can always count on Cossa to come back stronger than he was previously.
In a league built to destroy a player’s soul and a team that needs a hero, the Detroit Red Wings have recalled their Beast under emergency circumstances. I joke about his Beast Mode switch getting flipped all the time in Grand Rapids. I can’t wait for Detroit Red Wings fans to get to see it firsthand sooner rather than later.