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Curtis Joseph

Curtis Shayne Joseph is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender known by the nickname "Cujo." He played 19 NHL seasons from 1989 to 2009 for six teams and was a three-time NHL All-Star.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Curtis Shayne Joseph is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender known by the nickname "Cujo." He played 19 NHL seasons from 1989 to 2009 for six teams and was a three-time NHL All-Star. Joseph also won Olympic gold with Canada in 2002 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2023.

Early life and junior career

Joseph was born in Keswick, Ontario, and was adopted as an infant by the Joseph family. He developed into a top goaltending prospect in junior and university hockey before turning professional.

NHL career

Joseph began his NHL career with the St. Louis Blues in 1989, entering as an undrafted free agent, and later played for the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Phoenix Coyotes, and Calgary Flames. Over 19 seasons, he became one of the league’s most durable and successful goaltenders, finishing with 454 regular-season wins.

International play

Joseph represented Canada in international competition and won Olympic gold at Salt Lake City in 2002. He was also part of Canada’s World Championship teams in the 1990s.

Recognition and legacy

Joseph was a three-time NHL All-Star and won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2000. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2023.

Key facts

  • Played 19 seasons in the NHL for six teams.
  • Won gold at the 2002 Winter Olympics with Canada.
  • Recorded 454 regular-season wins.
  • Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2023.
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Canadian context

Joseph is a prominent Canadian goaltender who represented Canada internationally and won Olympic gold in 2002. He is also closely associated with Canadian hockey culture through his long career with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Frequently asked questions

What is Curtis Joseph known for?
He is known as a Canadian NHL goaltender who played 19 seasons, won Olympic gold with Canada in 2002, and earned the nickname "Cujo."
Which NHL teams did Curtis Joseph play for?
He played for the St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Phoenix Coyotes, and Calgary Flames.
How many NHL wins did Curtis Joseph have?
He finished his NHL career with 454 regular-season wins.
Did Curtis Joseph win an Olympic medal?
Yes. He won gold with Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Was Curtis Joseph inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?
Yes. He was inducted in 2023.

References

  1. Olympics — https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/curtis-joseph
    Supports: Birthplace, adoption background, early career, international career, 2002 Olympic gold, and club history.
  2. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/blues/team/hall-of-fame/curtis-joseph
    Supports: Undrafted signing, Blues career, NHL games, wins, All-Star selections, and franchise records.
  3. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtis_Joseph
    Supports: Full name, birth date, NHL teams, nickname, retirement, and King Clancy Memorial Trophy.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtis_Joseph
    Supports: Career span, NHL wins, and all-time standings.
  5. CBC Sports — https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/curtis-joseph-nhl-goaltender-neglected-as-child-1.4875274
    Supports: NHL career length, teams, personal background, and post-career role.