At one level, a future in hockey won’t have appeared as achievable because it now could be for North Vancouver’s Joshua Ravensbergen. The 18-year-old was an updraft goaltender out of the Vancouver AAA system, however quickly caught on with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars and ran with the chance.
In 2023-24, he completed with a 26-4-1 report within the common season in 38 video games performed with a 2.46 targets towards common (GAA) and .907 save share earlier than domination playoff play with a 9-2-1 report in 12 video games, a 1.98 GAA and .931 SV%.
Even this season, his numbers would recommend some form of regression, however Ravensbergen has jumped from an undrafted goalie to a possible top-25 decide within the 2025 NHL Draft. By means of 18 video games, he has a 12-2-4 report with a 3.08 GAA and .899 SV%, however he’s nonetheless thought to be top-of-the-line goalies within the upcoming draft. And on Tuesday night time on the CHL/USA Prospects Problem, Ravensbergen reminded scouts and analysts what he can deliver to the desk as probably the highest Canadian-born goalie within the draft.
Ravensbergen Brings All of the Goaltending Property Already
He’s six-foot-five and almost 200 kilos. Whereas measurement on gamers isn’t as essential because it as soon as was, the larger goalies have discovered success on the NHL degree. At 18, that’s not remotely a difficulty for the Cougars’ goaltender.
However the agility and the focus during which he brings to his web is one thing that places him additional alongside in his growth than some would assume at such a younger age. Particularly as a result of goaltenders are usually recognized to completely develop deeper into their careers.
Nonetheless, Ravensbergen is being labelled because the ‘entire bundle’ and there can be groups seeking to purchase him within the first-round of the draft — particularly after the high-praise he received from his head coach on the Prospects Problem.
“The main target that he’s received,” mentioned CHL head coach Kris Mallette, following Tuesday night time’s matchup. “He’s a pupil of the sport. Should you discuss to him off the ice, he simply understands what he must be at his greatest. He doesn’t get too excessive and he doesn’t get too low. He’s actually assured and calm. I feel simply he’s assured in his construction so when he must be or make a giant save his actions are fairly calm. Tonight, it regarded virtually easy at occasions.”
Ravensbergen did hand over one purpose late in his look towards the NTDP to Jack Murtagh however exterior of that he was close to good.
Ravensbergen’s Strategy Nearly Masterful
One factor that the sport towards the NTDP had in frequent with Ravensbergen’s WHL outings is that he wasn’t as busy as a goaltender would possibly like. In reality, in 19 video games with the Cougars, he’s seen simply 585 photographs — that’s roughly 30 photographs per sport. So, when he’s not as busy, how does Ravensbergen keep targeted and within the sport mentally?
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“Typically what I love to do is see myself making saves,” mentioned Ravensbergen on staying engaged all through the sport. “Going out and making some puck performs and getting some puck handles can preserve you engaged.”
What’s Subsequent For Ravensbergen?
Extra worldwide hockey may very well be on the slate for the younger goaltender with the World Junior Hockey Championship proper across the nook. Nevertheless, some would possibly nonetheless take into account him a protracted shot to make Staff Canada.
Nonetheless, that received’t take away from what is predicted to be a giant draft for the undrafted WHLer. Assuming he continues to face tall for the Cougars proper by way of to the tip of the season, Ravensbergen may very well be one of many first Canadian-born goalies to go within the first spherical of the NHL Draft since Sebastian Cossa went fifteenth general to the Detroit Crimson Wings again in 2021.
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Whereas nobody expects him to make the soar to the NHL immediately — an unrealistic purpose for goaltenders as they take time to develop — Ravensbergen has the making of an NHL goaltender within the close to future.
Name it an inkling, however drafting him can be a giant seize for any group trying so as to add to their organizational depth within the goalie place. The query, now, is how excessive can he enhance his draft inventory over the subsequent seven months.
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