Charger Alumni Spotlight: Josh Kestner

In this latest installment, we profile a more recent alumni in hockey's Josh Kestner who starred with the Chargers from 2014 to 2018. A true hometown hockey hero, Kestner is a native of Huntsville, and while at UAH, he amassed 44 goals including 24 during his senior season which is tied for the most by a Charger in the program's modern Division I era. Since his UAH days, Kestner has excelled professionally, earning the ECHL's MVP award this past season.

Who are among your most memorable teammates? All of them are memorable in their own way, but the ones that stick out would be the three guys I lived with: Jordan Uhelski, Cody Champagne, and Max McHugh. Having those guys on and off the ice created a bond that still lasts today. I still keep in touch with them and will be going to Cody’s wedding this year as well. Along with them, Tyler Poulsen and Hans Gorowsky ring a bell with me as I played on a line with them my senior season in which our team had the best success in my four years.

What was your most memorable season with the Chargers? I’d have to say my most memorable season is my senior year in 2017-18.  We clinched the seventh seed for the WCHA playoffs, and won our first WCHA playoff game against Northern Michigan in game two of the series.

The opportunity to play with the UAH hockey program has led me to my dream of playing professionally since my college career ended.

Do you have a particular personal accomplishment that stands out to you? Tying the program’s Division I record for most goals in a season at 24 in my senior year.

Did you have a favorite food spot on campus? Favorite food spot on campus was World of Wings (WoW). I probably ate there at least three times a week when we weren’t traveling.

What's life been like for you after UAH? The opportunity to play with the UAH hockey program has led me to my dream of playing professionally since my college career ended. I’ve spent time with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL, the Newfoundland Growlers of the ECHL, and, most recently, with the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL in 2019-20.  I'm excited to continue the journey in my third year in the pros next season.

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