Former MTU goalie playing in minor leagues

Courtesy of MTU Athletics

AUSTIN, Texas — Former Michigan Tech goaltender Josh Robinson (2008-12), who split time this season between the American Hockey League’s Texas Stars and the East Coast Hockey League’s Idaho Steelheads, is set to begin the Western Conference Finals of the Calder Cup Playoffs with the Stars on Friday (May 23). Texas has home ice advantage for its seven-game series vs. the Toronto Marlies.

Robinson is coming off a strong performance in the Kelly Cup Playoffs with the Steelheads. He posted a .943 save percentage and 2.07 goals against average in nine appearances, helping his team to the second round where they lost to the Alaska Aces. In the opening round, Robinson had a record-breaking 83-save performance in a 3-2 four overtime game as the Steelheads defeated the Colorado Eagles in a decisive sixth game of the series. Combined with a 47-save night in a 1-0 overtime triumph over Alaska in game one of the second round, Robinson had 130 saves in two games.

The Frankenmuth, Mich., native was called up to Texas immediately following the end of the Steelheads season, and he was with the Stars when they closed out their second-round series over the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Robinson spent a majority of the regular season with the Stars. He played in 15 games with a 6-6-0 record and a shutout. The 6-0, 185-pound netminder also appeared in 23 regular season games with the Steelheads with a 13-7-1 mark and a .911 save percentage.

“It’s been a great experience to keep playing the game,” said Robinson of his professional career. “It’s my job now, so it’s different and there’s more pressure. But I’m with a great organization, and I really enjoy it.”

Robinson played in 90 games at Michigan Tech with career numbers of 3.56 goals against and .893 save percentage. He catapulted himself into a pro career with a strong senior season in 2011-12 that saw him post a 2.83 GAA and .909 save percentage. He went 15-14-4 that year with three shutouts.

Not only did Robinson leave Tech with a good opportunity to play professional hockey, he earned a degree in marketing.

“Going to Tech was a good decision,” he said. “It’s nice to have four years of development, and you learn what it takes to play at the next level.”

Robinson, who is currently on a one-year contract, continues to aspire to playing in the NHL.

“I feel like there are a lot of options for me at this point. If I can stay here in Texas, great. If not, I’ll be ready to go where I need to and prove myself.”

Game one of the Western Conference Finals of the Calder Cup Playoffs is Friday (May 23) at 8:30 p.m. (ET) at Cedar Park Center in Austin.