The New York Islanders announced on Mar. 24 that they have signed goaltender Joshua Kotai to a two-year, entry-level contract.
Kotai, who is 23 years old, recently completed his junior season at Augustana University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. He achieved a record of 20 wins, 11 losses, and four ties over 35 games this season. His performance included five shutouts and three assists, with a .938 save percentage and a goals-against average of 1.99.
Among Division-1 goalies nationwide, Kotai ranked second in both saves made (1,056) and save percentage this year. He was also fifth in minutes played (2,111), and seventh in both goals-against average and wins. In Central Collegiate Hockey Association play this season, he started all conference games for Augustana University with a league-leading .941 save percentage.
Kotai received several honors during the season including being named the CCHA Player of the Year and Goaltender of the Year for 2025-26. He was also recognized as Goaltender of the Month twice and Goaltender of the Week five times.
Over three seasons at Augustana University, Kotai has played in 79 games with a record of 39-30-9 and eight shutouts. He has been selected to either the All-CCHA First Team or Second Team each year he played there and is a two-time finalist for the Mike Richter Award for top collegiate goaltenders.
Before college hockey, Kotai played for teams including Battlefords North Stars in Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League where he helped secure a championship title with strong postseason statistics.
