By Russ Cohen
Joshua Ravensbergen is a toolsy 6’5” backstop who is the top goalie on most people’s lists. There are few who aren’t interested in him, but he only spoke to 26 teams at the NHL Combine because they know he’s not getting out of the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft. He should be the one first-round goaltender this year. If you look at his stats, he had an up and down season that he acknowledged.
“A little bit, like, I felt like a record helps having a good team in front of you, but I feel like I was learning things, because, you know, I have to grow and some aspects of my game, but overall, I did feel like I moved out a lot better, so I can’t be too upset with that,” said Ravensbergen.
Ravensbergen then reflected what he improved upon this season.
“The biggest thing I improved on was just slowly figuring out my not being as aggressive and kind of trusting to use my size and skating a little more.”
Good goalies talk about their weaknesses, and I asked him about his. About when guys are trying to go far side high on the far side corner. His response was, “That wasn’t so good. We have areas to improve, but I think for me, that’s going to be a big focus this summer.”
He spoke with the San Jose Sharks and the Philadelphia Flyers. I bring those teams up because they have multiple first round picks and that’s why he’s probably going in the first round. It’s a no-brainer for either organization.
His biggest improvement this season was notable.
Skating is important for goalies, and they rarely get credit for it. He works on it before every practice.
“Yeah, just before practice, I do a little bit of edge work. Getting to spots. Working on explosiveness and being square.”
He sees through traffic like a pro and does protect the post on both sides. He will make an aggressive glove save and that’s fine with me.
He’ll be back in Prince George next season. He’s 19 in November so there’s plenty of runway with him. I would let him go to the AHL for 1-2 seasons when he’s eligible. That’s always the best way to do it.
