Former Maple Leafs netminder becomes new coach for Vancouver Canucks
It was recently announced that Ian Clark, the Canucks' goaltending coach, has been reassigned from his current role.
This triggered a series of changes within the organization's coaching staff, creating a vacancy in Manny Malhotra's team with the Abbotsford Canucks.
It has now been announced that the Abbotsford Canucks have welcomed former Leafs goaltender Justin Pogge as their new Goaltending Coach, bringing valuable experience to their AHL affiliate. Pogge joins the team with a robust background in both North American and European hockey.
The Abbotsford Canucks, the AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks, have made a significant addition to their coaching staff by hiring Justin Pogge as their new Goaltending Coach. At 38 years old, Pogge brings a wealth of experience from his recent role as a Goaltending Consultant with the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2023-24 season. His expertise was also sought by Hockey Canada, where he served as a Goaltending Coach for both Canada's World Championship team and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup squad.
Ryan Johnson, General Manager of the Abbotsford Canucks, shared his excitement about the new hire:
Although Pogge is unlikely to work with the team's top goaltenders like Thatcher Demko or Arturs Silovs, he will have the opportunity to develop the rising stars Nikita Tolopilo and Jonathan Lemieux, along with the team's goaltending prospects and recent free agent acquisition, Jiri Patera.
Pogge, originally from Fort McMurray, Alberta, had a distinguished 17-year playing career across North America and Europe.
He participated in 254 regular-season games in the AHL and 13 Calder Cup Playoff games with teams such as the Toronto Marlies, San Antonio Rampage, and Charlotte Checkers.
Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2004, Pogge made his NHL debut with them and also played for the Anaheim Ducks and Phoenix Coyotes. His European career spanned Italy, Sweden, Slovakia, and Germany.
In his junior hockey career, Pogge was a standout goaltender for the WHL's Prince George Cougars and Calgary Hitmen. Notably, he excelled at the 2006 World Junior Hockey Championships, posting a perfect 6-0 record and leading all goaltenders with a .952 save percentage, which helped Team Canada secure the gold medal.
Source: Canucks Daily
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AOUT 27 | 43 ANSWERS Former Maple Leafs netminder becomes new coach for Vancouver Canucks Do you think Justin Pogge joining the Canucks' coaching staff is a good addition? | ||
| Yes | 26 | 60.5 % |
| No | 17 | 39.5 % |
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