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Retired Wild player returns to Xcel as Edina goalie coach

Josh Harding's NHL career might be over but his love for hockey continues to flow through his veins. For the last 3 years, he's served as the goalie coach for Edina High School.

ST. PAUL, MINN. --- Every time Josh Harding steps inside the Xcel Energy Center, it feels like he never quite left.

"Being in the Xcel definitely brings back memories," he said. "Not too many people can play with one team for their whole career and I was lucky enough to be drafted by the Minnesota Wild and retire," he added.

After nearly eight seasons as the team's goaltender, Harding was forced to retire in 2015. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012, and continued to play for parts of three seasons after that.

Harding's NHL career might be over but his love for hockey continues to flow through his veins. For the last 3 years, he's served as the goalie coach for Edina High School.

"I don't know if my MS would be able to catch up with the grueling schedule of playing but with coaching, I help these kids develop and share my knowledge of the game," he said.

"These kids become like your family. Absolutely love everyone of them. Would do anything for each one of them, " he said. "You realize how important coaching is. I was lucky enough to be coached by some of the greats."

So what was Harding's advice to the team before they took on Duluth East in the state semis?

"Leave it all on the ice and have fun with it."

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