Josh

Pauls

Quick Facts

• Pauls found a passion for sled hockey at an early age
• Growing up in New Jersey, he had hopes of becoming the first NHL goalie with no legs
• He was born without tibia bones and had both legs amputated at 10 months old
• After a few years and some convincing from his parents, he joined a local team, the New York Rangers Junior Sled Hockey club team in 2002
• Moving through the ranks quickly and showing promise, he was invited to a USA Hockey Development Camp in 2007
• Shortly after, he made his U.S. National Sled Hockey Team debut in 2008. In 2010, at age 17, he was the youngest member of the gold medal-winning squad at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games
• He went on to make his second Paralympic team, winning gold in Sochi and continues to be an intricate piece in the team’s international success
• Named Best Defenseman at the 2015 World Championships and 2016 Pan Pacific Championships
• Son of Tony and Deborah
• Has one sister, Tori
• Hobbies include cooking, playing video games, watching hockey and football
• His idol is U.S. ice hockey player, Zach Parise
• Works in finance as an account executive
• Nicknamed “Spuds” due to his unique ritual of facing a Mr. Potato Head figure toward the opponent’s locker room before every game.

Paralympic Experience

• 4-time Paralympian; 4-time Paralympic medalist (4 gold)
• Paralympic Games Beijing 2022, gold (Team - Mixed)
• Paralympic Games Pyeongchang 2018, gold (Team - Mixed)
• Paralympic Games Sochi 2014, gold (Team - Mixed)
• Paralympic Games Vancouver 2010, gold (Team - Mixed)

World Championship Experience

• Most recent: 2024 – silver (Team - Men)
• Years of participation: Team - Men 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024
• Medals: 9 (6 gold, 3 silver)
• Gold – 2023 (Team - Men); 2021 (Team - Men); 2019 (Team - Men); 2015 (Team - Men); 2012 (Team - Men); 2009 (Team - Men)
• Silver – 2024 (Team - Men); 2017 (Team - Men); 2013 (Team - Men)

More

Personal Website
USA Hockey