While much of Newfoundland watches young Daniel Ryder continue to play in the MasterCard Memorial Cup for the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League, other local athletes are often overlooked.  For example, for every time you hear "Dan Ryder", how often do you hear "Dan LaCosta"?

             Dan LaCosta is a 20 year old who hails from Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador, and plays for the Barrie Colts of the OHL.  As a 3rd round draft pick (93rd overall) by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2004, he was chosen ahead of another local goaltender in Jason Churchill (who was selected 129th overall by the San Jose Sharks).  LaCosta was also selected ahead of current fan favourite, and teammate of Daniel Ryder in Peterborough, Fredrik Naslund.

            Everyone I talk to knows who Michael Ryder is, most people know who Daniel Ryder is, quite a few have heard of Jason Churchill, but why is it when I mention Dan LaCosta, most people have no idea who I am talking about?  Is it because he is from Labrador and therefore less attention is being put on him (which while possible, it is also very unfortunate and should change).  Is it because he doesn't have a brother who is an up and coming star of the Montreal Canadiens?  Whatever it is, it is my mission to change it.

             During the regular season, LaCosta led the Colts to the best record in their division, and along the way recorded a 2.55 G.A.A. which was 2nd best in the OHL.  He was fourth in save % with a number of 0.915, and third in wins with 36 (only 8 behind Adam Dennis who was the top goaltender at the 2005 Memorial Cup with the champion London Knights).  And to top it all off, Mr.LaCosta had the 2nd most shutouts in the OHL.  LaCosta was obviously a top goalie in the OHL this year, but was for some reason not invited to team Canada tryouts (and neither was Daniel Ryder).

            I hope now more people will know who Dan LaCosta is.  This guy is one of the best goalies in the Canadian Hockey League, but yet the attention level he deserves here in our fine province isn't at the level it should be.  While Daniel Ryder is an great player that continues to make Newfoundland and Labrador proud, there is the "other" Dan who has been quietly making a name for himself in the CHL.  I hope now he will start to make more of a name for himself in his own province.