When Josh Cacciola arrived in Caledonia at the trade deadline, he knew it wouldn’t be easy. Switching teams midseason is tough — doing it in your overage year is even tougher. But for Cacciola, it was a challenge he embraced.
“I was beyond grateful to have the chance to come to Cali,” he said. “The players and staff made the transition so much easier, and I’m really happy with how things worked out.”
Despite being with the team for just a few short months, Cacciola made a clear impact — both on the ice and in the room. His leadership, work ethic, and consistent effort stood out.
“I just wanted to be remembered as someone who was not only an important piece on the ice, but off the ice as well,” he shared. “A good teammate, a good leader — someone who gave 100% every time and made the most of every opportunity.”
Those traits didn’t go unnoticed. From his first game in a Corvairs jersey, Cacciola played with the type of energy and poise that made it easy for coaches to trust him in big moments. And with that trust came the freedom to play his game.
“The coaches let me be myself,” he said. “They had faith in me, and that meant a lot. I didn’t have to change who I was — I just came in, fulfilled my role, and did what was asked.”
Now, as he closes the chapter on his junior career, Cacciola is left with memories he’ll carry far beyond the rink.
“The people I met in Cali — my teammates, the staff, the fans — I made so many memories in such a short time. It was some of the most fun hockey I’ve ever played,” he said. “Playing in front of such passionate fans and alongside such a great group of guys — that’s what I’ll remember most.”
For Cacciola, his final season wasn’t just about stats or standings — it was about resilience, growth, and gratitude.
“Junior hockey taught me a lot. It wasn’t always full of high moments, but I stuck out the lows and worked through them,” he reflected. “I’m proud of that. After minor hockey, I thought my playing days were over — so to have three more years, and to finish it in a place that felt like a second home, it really made it special.”
