Josh Pauls

Call him “Spudsy” or call him a prodigy. Whatever the case, Josh Pauls has been a staple on the blue line for the USA since 2008.

Born without tibia bones in both legs, Pauls had both amputated at just 10 months old.

Just barely breaking into high school, Pauls was named a member of the USA’s ice sledge hockey team and has flourished ever since.

Not too many people can say at the age of 17 that they won a Paralympic gold medal at Vancouver 2010; but Pauls can. He was the youngest member on the team, and four years later, his hunger to win helped the USA to Paralympic gold at Sochi 2014.

After coming off a heartbreaking finish at the 2013 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships A-Pool against Canada, the Americans were left with a bitter taste in their mouths.

Pauls was an offensive threat in that tournament, scoring four goals and adding two assists in four games. The Green Brook, New Jersey native was also had a plus/minus of plus 12.

Since he began his career in 2008, Pauls has played in 100 games and accumulated 59 points.

In the 2014-15 season, Pauls had his second best ever season, scoring eight goals, and was named Best Defenceman of the World Championships after holding off champions Canada to a 3-0 victory.

Pauls is also one of a kind. A very superstitious athlete, he can often be seen looking towardsa Mr. Potatohead figure before each game. If the US are victorious, a lot of Pauls rituals, such as wearing the same undershirt and throwing a tennis ball with teammate Greg Shaw, stay the same.