ECHL Walleye, Red Wings Prospect Cossa Riding Incredible Hot Streak

The Toledo Walleye are the hottest team in hockey and Detroit Red Wings prospect Sebastian Cossa is the hottest goalie in the pro game. The ECHL Walleye, who play host to the Reading Royals on Friday, have won 18 games in a row. They are also riding an 11-game road winning streak.

Cossa, the netminder who was Detroit’s 15th overall selection in the 2021 NHL entry draft, is playing a significant role in this Toledo roll. He’s been a winner in each of his last 10 starts. The first-year pro has allowed more than one goal in just two of those 10 games.

While the @ToledoWalleye 🐟 have had a lot of roster movement lately, one constant has been Sebastian Cossa in net 😃, who continues to shutdown opposing offenses 🏒 in the midst of his 10-game winning streak. 👏 pic.twitter.com/1yi3JrboKQ

— BCSN (@BCSNsports) March 23, 2023

Over that span, Cossa is showing a .965 save percentage, 0.99 goals-against average and three shutouts. Cossa’s work between the pipes was earning him ECHL goalie of the week honors for the week ending March 5.

Cossa, former Walleye netminder John Lethemon, now with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins and Mark Sinclair of the Cincinnati Cyclones share the ECHL lead in shutouts with four apiece. The rookie Detroit prospect is third in the league in minutes played at 2199. Cossa is tied for second with 23 wins and fourth overall with a 2.40 GAA.

Red Wings Lalonde Watching Walleye, Cossa Closely

It’s not usual for an NHL head coach to be following the fortunes of the club’s ECHL affiliate. However, Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde will always be holding a place dear in his heart for the Walleye.

“Yeah, because I’m invested and coached there,” Lalonde said. He ran the Toledo bench from 2014-16, going 97-35-12.

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“That fan base is amazing,” Lalonde said. “(Current Walleye coach) Dan Watson is a remarkable coach. He was my assistant for two years there. I’ve seen what he’s done since I’ve left there. That was a ,500 team not too long ago. That’s a credit to Dan.

“That’s a tough league to be consistent in because you lose so many pieces. The fact they’ve won 18 in a row is a credit to them. Cossa is playing at a high level. For sure I’m following them. No different than Grand Rapids.”