SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Josh Kotai of Augustana men's hockey has been named to the Watch List for the 2025 Mike Richter Award, announced by the Hockey Commissioners Association Wednesday afternoon. 

Kotai is one of 35 goalies named to the award's watch list. The Richter Award has been awarded annually since 2014 to the top goaltender in men's Division I hockey. 

A committee of voters varying from coaches, administrators, scouts and media will cut the list down to 15 names over the next three weeks, while the award winner will be announced at the Frozen Four in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Joining Kotai on the watch list from the CCHA are Christian Stoever from Bowling Green and Alex Tracy from Minnesota State.

This season marks the first time a Viking has been named to the list. Kotai holds an 11-5-1 record between the pipes in 2024-25 with a save percentage of .944 and a goals-against average of 1.71. His .944 save percentage ranks second in the nation. 

The sophomore goaltender hails from Abbotsford, British Columbia where he played junior hockey for the Battleford North Stars in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. In his final season of junior hockey, Kotai recorded a 32-4-3 record for the North Stars. 

Augustana returns to the ice as it hosts Lindenwood at Midco Arena on Friday and Saturday. Puck drops are slated for 7:07 p.m. and 6:07 p.m., respectively. Tickets are still available at GoAugie.com/Tickets and live action can also be found on Midco Sports Plus.