Former Controversial First-round Pick Decides on an Unexpected New Career Path

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TJ Tucker
March 13, 2024 (8:00)

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An entirely different career path has been chosen by a former first-round NHL draft pick who was the subject of plenty of controversy in his career. The 28-year-old has surprised many by releasing a 14-track album on Spotify.

The rap album, entitled "Same", is from former 28th overall pick of the New York Islanders Josh Ho-Sang, and was released earlier this month. The very first track on the record is called "Time to Grow Up," which has to be a direct reference to his NHL career, given the lyrics.

"My biggest problem was growing every day / I measure my progress / I wonder when that started stopping / not just my growth, but my celebration of my success / I wonder when my pride turned into stress."

Ho-Sang was taken by the Islanders in 2014 despite concerns about his maturity. Early in 2015, he got in trouble with NYI Gm Garth Snow after oversleeping and missing a team shuttle. In an interview at the time, Snow said he had little sympathy for Ho-Sang.

"Enough with the bulls--t, it's time to grow up."

In addition to the album, Ho-Sang has also released unveiled a new app called "Pick Up Pro," which allows users to join or host games, practices, or events and even conduct payments as a coach. Ho-Sang said his goal was to make pick up hockey more accessible for everyone, while also creating a healthier society.

Ho-Sang has retired from playing professional hockey, ending his career in the KHL. Despite his early issues, he redeemed himself in the eyes of many during a stint with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL in 2021-22. In addition to scoring 16 goals and 35 points in 47 games, Ho-Sang also seemed to show much more maturity on and off the ice, and was praised for it by his teammates.