The
32-year-old
backstop uses an
unorthodox style ? a
virtual hybrid of the
standup and butterfly techniques. Joseph is a talented stick handler,
blessed with lightning-quick reflexes. The 5'11",
188-pound
goalie was nicknamed "Cujo"
by his teammates, in reference to the terrifying beast featured in
Stephen King's novel of the same name. The unique nickname is also a
combination of the first two letters from his first and last names:
Curtis Joseph.
Joseph first managed to open some eyes while attending the University of Wisconsin where he earned both the WCHA's rookie and player of the year awards. Despite all that potential, Joseph was not drafted by an NHL team, and he eventually signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Blues in 1989. A year later, he had been named the club's starting netminder.
The 1995-1996 season was a long one for Joseph. His contractual status with the St.Louis Blues was still up in the air, and the little goalie desperately wanted to play. Realizing he wouldn't be able to play in the NHL until all the paperwork was finalized, Joseph went to Las Vegas to play for the Thunder of the International Hockey League. He went 12-2-1 and posted a 1.99 GAA before the Blues traded his rights to the Edmonton Oilers.
Curtis immediately became a fan favorite in Edmonton. He was involved with various local charities and was a visible presence in the community ? not to mention the fact that his on-ice performance was better than ever.
The Keswick, Ontario native signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the summer of 1998, giving him the opportunity to play closer to home than ever before in his pro career. Currently, Joseph is signed to play with the Leafs throughout the 2001-2002 season.
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Most Maple Leaf fans got to know Joseph during the 1993 Stanley Cup playoffs, when he put on a "goaltending clinic", stopping almost everything in sight, flashing the brilliant speed of his glove hand, and exhibiting his tremendous heart.
The Leafs eventually won the series, and Curtis had earned the respect, and admiration of hockey fans worldwide.
Since then, "Cujo" has developed a reputation as one of the best "big-game" goalies in the world. He led the Edmonton Oilers to a stunning upset over the heavily favoured Dallas Stars in '97 and the Colorado Avalanche in '98.
On the international front, Joesph has proudly worn the red and white, representing Canada at the World Championships, World Cup and the Olympics.