Josh made his debut with the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League earlier this season, and was making a nice transition to the pro game when he was suddenly knocked out of the lineup on November 28.
With just under five seconds left in a 5-2 Aeros win, Josh was struck with a vicious elbow in the back of the head by Utah’s Jeff Taffe, knocking Harding unconscious.
He was carried off the ice on a stretcher and diagnosed with a Grade 3 concussion, the most severe, and was hospitalized overnight for observation.
After missing the next two months, Harding showed he was back in top form by notching his third shutout of the season in just his third game back the injury.
On February 5, Harding made 34 saves in a 1-0 victory over the defending Calder Cup champions Milwaukee Admirals, improving to 2-1-0 since his return.
Our sources believe that Minnesota will give Josh every opportunity to become their number-one goalie, and we expect his recent injury to be long forgotten by the time he makes it to the next level.
Expect to see him as a prime contender if the NHL reopens its doors in 2006. He debuts at No. 46 in the MLN FAB50 2005 Hockey survey.
