Josh Ho-Sang is dabbling in another career path, while he attempts to battle his way back onto the ice. On Tuesday, Ho-Sang, a 2014 New York Islanders first-round pick, released an 18-track rap album titled “SAME,” which includes a song called “Papi for MVP” that is about Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews.
Ho-Sang also announced the launch of an app called “PUP Sports,” which is a service that allows people to find hockey practices and pick-up games. In addition, coaches are able to utilize the app to reach the game, and users can obtain cash rewards for using “PUP Sports.”
According to Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek, Ho-Sang is attempting a comeback and is expected to sign with the ECHL’s Florida Everblades. The Everblades are currently aiming to win their third consecutive Kelly Cup.
Ho-Sang last played for Salavat Yulaev Ufa of the Kontinental Hockey League last year. He appeared in one regular-season game while playing in four postseason games.
Prior to that, Ho-Sang hadn’t played since the 2021-22 season when he suited up for the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League. The former Islanders forward tallied 35 points (16 goals & 19 assists) in 47 games for the Marlies that season. He also played for Team Canada in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, but didn’t receive an NHL contract offers from his international play.
Ho-Sang was originally selected by the Islanders with the No. 28 pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. The Toronto-born winger registered just 24 points (seven goals & 17 assists) in 53 career NHL games. Ho-Sang spent the majority of his time with the team’s AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
Josh Ho-Sang, the former first-round pick of the New York Islanders, has recently made headlines for his unconventional approach to making a comeback in the NHL. The talented forward, who was selected 28th overall in the 2014 NHL Draft, has released a rap album as part of his bid to return to the league.
Ho-Sang, known for his dynamic playing style and flashy skills on the ice, has faced challenges in his career that have hindered his progress in the NHL. Despite showing promise in his rookie season with the Islanders, Ho-Sang has struggled to secure a permanent spot on the team’s roster and has spent time bouncing between the NHL and the AHL.
In an effort to showcase his determination and passion for the game, Ho-Sang decided to take a unique approach to gaining attention from NHL teams. He released a rap album titled “Breathe” under the stage name “Dre Drizzle,” where he raps about his journey in hockey and his desire to make a comeback in the league.
While some may view Ho-Sang’s decision to release a rap album as a distraction from his hockey career, others see it as a creative way for him to express himself and connect with fans on a different level. The album has received mixed reviews, with some praising Ho-Sang’s lyrical abilities and others questioning his focus on music rather than hockey.
Despite the controversy surrounding his rap album, Ho-Sang remains determined to prove himself on the ice and earn another opportunity in the NHL. He has been training hard during the offseason and working on improving his game in hopes of catching the attention of NHL scouts and general managers.
Only time will tell if Ho-Sang’s unconventional approach will pay off and lead to a successful comeback in the NHL. In the meantime, fans of both hockey and music can enjoy Ho-Sang’s unique blend of talents and follow his journey as he continues to pursue his dream of playing in the NHL once again.
