Goaltender Sebastian Cossa was excited to hear his coach in Toledo, Dan Watson, was promoted to head coach with the Grand Rapids Griffins, the Wings’ primary minor-league affiliate.
Cossa enjoyed playing for Watson with the Walleye, a Wings’ secondary affiliate.
“Pretty cool,” Cossa said of his reaction to Watson going to Grand Rapids. “I liked him a lot as a coach, and person as well. I’m excited for him. He’s definitely earned it. I’m looking forward to hopefully being there with him next year.
“He’s definitely a players’ coach. Really personable. Everyone there is willing to run a through wall for him. The guys like him a lot. Halfway through the season and the playoffs, we had one of the best penalty kills and power plays in the league.”
Cossa, in his first pro season, had an impressive second half and playoffs for Toledo, as the Walleye reached the conference finals.
It’s expected Cossa will be promoted to Grand Rapids next season.
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“Hopefully, yes,” Cossa said of joining the Griffins. “If I put the work in and show what I can do, hopefully I’m there.”
Cossa, 20, a Wings’ 2021 first-round draft pick (15th overall), made specific strides this past season.
“Skating, playing through the traffic,” Cossa said. “For sure guys were bigger at the pro level and I had to use the body a little bit better. Definitely the second half of the season, I felt more comfortable and confident.”
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