Little Update on Justin Pogge.

[Newfie John]

I was doing some reading around the internet and found this on Justin Pogge. He has started this season very well, continuing his awesome play at the end of last season. He's been unbelievable thus far. Leaf prospect Justin Pogge is 6-0 with 2 shutouts and 8 goals against in 6 games. I don't know all the facts on this but either way it's good to hear.

No such thing as too much goaltending depth.

Tellqvist, Rask and Pogge could all be fighting for the job one day, and maybe we could get a nice catch on a trade for one of these guys one of these days.

[bluemeanie]

Add in Racine's promising development and yes, we do look hopeful in net.

[Newfie John]

Add in Racine's promising development and yes, we do look hopeful in net.

Don't get too excited about Racine..

[bluemeanie]

Don't get too excited about Racine..

23 year old male goal tenders never "excite" me John, but his numbers do show him improving. Perhaps there lies your trade bait?

[Newfie John]

23 year old male goal tenders never "excite" me John, but his numbers do show him improving. Perhaps there lies your trade bait?

Trade bait possibly, but IMO he's the mirror image of Sebastien Centomo.

[leaferfan87]

Nice to see Pogge doing well. I was concerned when I saw his stats playing in Prince George, but clearly Calgary saw something they liked from him and he took the opportunity and made the most of it. He'll most likely be a Marlie next season.

[Newfie John]

The Calgary Hitman won 2-1 on Friday and 1-0 on Saturday ..

Justin Pogge was in goal for both wins giving up only 1 goal this weekend including his 6th shutout of the season on Saturday ..

That brings Pogge's season record to:

24 games .... 19 wins ... 5 losses .. 6 shutouts .... and a sparkling 1.52 GAA..

From what I hear, the Hitmen aren't even that good of a team, Pogge is doing very well.

How about this kid? If he keeps this up he should definately get a spot with Team Canada on the World Junior squad. Possibly battling it out with fellow leaf prospect Tuuka Rask when Canada plays Finland.

[Madferret]

How about this kid? If he keeps this up he should definately get a spot with Team Canada on the World Junior squad. Possibly battling it out with fellow leaf prospect Tuuka Rask when Canada plays Finland.

Sure! He can back up Team Canada starter and Senators prospect Jeff Glass..:wicked:

[Yoata]

Nice to see Pogge doing well. I was concerned when I saw his stats playing in Prince George, but clearly Calgary saw something they liked from him and he took the opportunity and made the most of it. He'll most likely be a Marlie next season.

The Cougars love to trade players away just before they blossom, and since they've never had a coach that considered defense a priority, their goaltenders often look bad.

[leaferfan87]

Sure! He can back up Team Canada starter and Senators prospect Jeff Glass..:wicked:

Is he not in Binghampton?

[Newfie John]

Pogge made the tryout roster for Team Canada. The 4 goalies vying for the job are Pogge, Price, Dubnyk and Ellis.

IMO,

Pogge will be #1
Ellis#2
Price#3

Pogge has been dominating the WHL.

[Man.Utd]

Is he not in Binghampton?

And is now ineligable.;)

Anyway, John already mentioned that Pogge, Price, Dubnyk and Ellis all are the main candidates.

All have a definate shot, but Pogge better pick up his socks a slight notch if he wants to win the starters job, John because other have been just as hot. As good as he's been, Dubnyk and Price both play on horrible teams and have been great recently. Their overall season stats leave a little to be desired, but lately it's been great.

November stats (Dubnyk):
7-4-0, 2.24 GAA 0.928 SV%, 1 SO

For Price:
5-2-2, 1.88 GAA, 0.941 SV%, 2 SO

Plenty of hockey to play, but hockey Canada ride the hot hand. And I know Pogge for one is playing behind a very good Calgary team and his stats are not only compareable, but slightly worse (GAA of 1.59 and a SV% if .925). He's been stellar and has a legit shot, but he's done nothing to seperate himself for the others and isn't as flashy a choice which will probably hurt him. Food for thought:

Pogge faces 22 shots per game.
Dubnyk faces 28 shots per game.
Price faces 31 shots per game.
Ellis faces 32 shtos per game.

This team will be one of the weakest in years, so there will be some rubber coming our way for sure, unlike in some previous editions. Ellis has been argubley the best goaltender in the CHL the past two years, I'd be inclined to go with him normally. But it's such a short tournament and Price and Dubnyk are very talented too, if they're on then go with them. Both have been hot lately and have the "hype" factor (Price in particular). It's really close, but I would probably put Pogge's chances behing at least those of Ellis and Price assuming the latter keeps his play at this level. Dubnyk scares me because he hasn't been all that great in big contests, but his chances have been very limited. You don't want to make a judgement on such a small sample size. But are the WJC the time to experiment? It'll be close, that's for sure. I wouldn't bet against any one.

[Newfie John]

Pogge has 3 times as many shut-outs as the other guys there, and most people on other boards I've been on had said that if it weren't for Pogge, Calgary would be no where. Before the season started they weren't supposed to be that good of a team, but Pogge's stellar play has put them over the top.

Consistancy is huge for Team Canada, as the list shows as Wojtek Wolski wasn't chosen. Dubnyk didn't make the team last year because of his inconsistancy and likely it will happen again this season. Pogge has been good all year.. Price and Dubnyk have been very inconsistant. Apparently Ellis didn't play well at the summer camp and this camp will be very important for him.

All things considered, right now Pogge gets the starting job, the backup role for sure.

Either way, getting this guy in the 3rd round was a steal. He's really picked it up.

[Man.Utd]

Pogge has 3 times as many shut-outs as the other guys there, and most people on other boards I've been on had said that if it weren't for Pogge, Calgary would be no where. Before the season started they weren't supposed to be that good of a team, but Pogge's stellar play has put them over the top.


2004-2005 Calgary Hitmen Goalies:

1. Scott Bowles: GP 32, 15 Wins,12 Losses, Ties 4
2. Justin Pogge: GP 24, 10 Wins, 9 Losses, Ties 2

Calgary actually regressed a bit (record-wise anyway) since Pogge arrived. Now let's look at Pogge stats last season:

Before the trade (Prince George):
GP 24, W 10, L 9, T 2
GAA 2.80, 891 SV%

After the trade (Calgary):
GP 24, W 14, L 12, T 3
GAA 2.29, .917 SV%

So is Calgary really benefitting that much from Pogge? Probably, he's been playing well. But why the sudden change in Pogge's numbers? Did he get better overnight? I don't doubt he's developed. He may be a goalie who excels at the mental side of the game and thus is suited well to the Hitmen team that allows few shots. Maybe he had a break-through year as young goalies often do, getting better exponentially. But I can't see him improving that much. Calgary is making Pogge look better than Pogge is making Calgary look as far as I'm concerned. It's pretty apparent, though obviously he's doing something right as teams never go far with second-rate netminders, regular or post season (except for the 2004 edition of the Ottawa Senators *sad laugh*)

Infact, Bowles put up comparable numbers to Pogge last year:

GAA 2.57, .904 SV%
Record was already covered.

No arguement with the rest, consistancy and the like. But I fail to see how anyone, espcially Pogge (who again, although great hasn't done anything to seperate himself for the others and isn't as that "hyped") has a spot in the top 2 secure. This'll be the closet battle in net in years, and last season was damn close.

For all my talk about stats, performances, etc I bet it comes down to who plays best at camp. That's all you can hope for anyway. That way all the guys will go in on equal terms, but they'll leave on terms that the play has dictated.

[Newfie John]

Pogge has always been a late bloomer and since he's been in junior he improves very quickly. I mean the guy wasn't even drafted in the midget draft and now he's on his way to the WJC? Thats the main reason for the discreptancy in his stats. He's been improving quite rapidly. This season, Pogge has been the most consistant. Consistancy is probably the biggest factor for the goaltenders going in IMO.

[bluemeanie]

Pogge has always been a late bloomer and since he's been in junior he improves very quickly. I mean the guy wasn't even drafted in the midget draft and now he's on his way to the WJC? Thats the main reason for the discreptancy in his stats. He's been improving quite rapidly. This season, Pogge has been the most consistant. Consistancy is probably the biggest factor for the goaltenders going in IMO.

With you lighting up Pogge the way you have been J, it seems that some teams have become interested getting their hands on him... Rumour of Pogge and Antropov going as part of deal to Boston for Murray. Apparently Klee is now also rumoured to be part of the "deal". No talk of any d-man coming to Toronto in return so it makes no sence to me at all. But, it could be the start of something interesting...

[Max Power]

With you lighting up Pogge the way you have been J, it seems that some teams have become interested getting their hands on him... Rumour of Pogge and Antropov going as part of deal to Boston for Murray. Apparently Klee is now also rumoured to be part of the "deal". No talk of any d-man coming to Toronto in return so it makes no sence to me at all. But, it could be the start of something interesting...

That sounds like one of those "made in Toronto" rumors Blue =]

[bluemeanie]

That sounds like one of those "made in Toronto" rumors Blue =]

Yeah, you'd think so. But, it's a move that wouldn't make many Leafs fans happy.... Actually, CBC sportsline, Eklund and Spector have all reported this rumour over the last few days. I suspect both Boston and Toronto will be doing something soon, this trade though... I really doubt.

[Max Power]

Yeah, you'd think so. But, it's a move that wouldn't make many Leafs fans happy.... Actually, CBC sportsline, Eklund and Spector have all reported this rumour over the last few days. I suspect both Boston and Toronto will be doing something soon, this trade though... I really doubt.

Well I know nothing of this Pogge guy but the deal doesn?t sound that bad. Goaltenders are as predictable as my girlfriend is for a certain 7 days a month. Not to mention Antrapove appears to be a lost cause a la Bonk. At the same time from what I?ve seen Sportsnet is continuously desperate to make any leaf news so anything from them needs to be taken with a grain of salt.
From my point of view the leafs will need to give up prospects or picks with current players to make any headway for this season. This I assume is what you?re saying will not make leaf fans happy?
It?s kind of a catch 22 I guess

[Newfie John]

The Murray rumor was generated in Boston actually. IMO the trade makes no sense. Boynton is a guy I could see us wanting. There were rumors about it earlier.

[Newfie John]

In the first red and white game for the WJC, Pogge had a shut out in 4-0 win. Dubnyk let in 4 goals for the opposite team.

[THE HACK]

Looks like Pogge will be the starting goalie for our Canadian team,Congrats Justin and bring home the gold!:)

Cheers

[Newfie John]

Yep, good news for sure. Dubnyk will be his back-up.

How ironic, Pogge gets the call over a top 5 pick, and another first rounder. Nice scouting there.

[KB in Kelowna]

Actually I am surprised that Dubnyk made it. He has been inconistant at best all year from what I have seen of the "ugly Blazers" (a little WHL rivalry joke). Perhaps our freind from Sun Peaks Matt Cooke could elaborate?

[Newfie John]

He made it over Ellis mainly because Ellis had a horrible camp. Apparently Price has been just as inconsistant as Dubnyk.

[Man.Utd]

For you Leafers, Pogge will very likely be the Canadian starter at the WJC. He's earned it with an impressive camp. It should be interesting to see how he does.

[Newfie John]

I hope to god he doesn't screw up and turn out to be a whipping boy. Though I doubt he'd have a drastic change of play, it would still suck.

[bluemeanie]

Here ya go Johnny....

Leafs Sign Pogge
John Ferguson, vice-president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Monday evening that the club has signed junior goaltender Justin Pogge (pronounced PO-ge) to a multi-year, entry level contract.

Pogge, 19, was the Toronto Maple Leafs? first choice, 90th overall, in the 2004 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Pogge was selected to Canada?s junior national team that will participate in the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships in Vancouver British Columbia this month.

Playing with the Calgary Hitmen, Pogge is currently leading the Western Hockey League goaltenders in wins (22-tie), save percentage (.928), goals-against average (1.53) and shutouts (6) in 2005-06

[Newfie John]

The only logical choice is to sign this guy. He'll be with the Marlies next season.

[charlio lemieux]

First Game of the junior tournament against Finland will most likely be an all Leafs showdown. For Canada Justin Pogge, and for Finland Tukka Rask. Am I wrong in hoping for a 0-0 tie?

[Newfie John]

1-0 Canada is what I'm hoping. lol.

[charlio lemieux]

1-0 Canada is what I'm hoping. lol.
Ya that is probably better. But Rask makes 40 saves.;) :)

[Newfie John]

Pogge played last night against the Russians. Canada won 8-1. Pogge made 27 saves in the win. He stopped 3 breakaways and had a good few nice saves. After he made a breakaway save with 3 minutes left, the Kamploops fans were cheering Pogge's name, with their very own Devan Dubnyk sitting on the bench.

[Newfie John]

Excellent read from the Star about Pogge.

From gas jockey to Canada's go-to guy
Nothing has come easy to junior goaltending star Justin Pogge
Dec. 26, 2005. 01:50 AM
KEN CAMPBELL
SPORTS REPORTER


When Justin Pogge left his Penticton, B.C., home in September to play junior hockey in Calgary, he told his mother not to expect him for Christmas because he'd be busy with Canada's team at the world championship — even though he hadn't been invited to the summer camp.

The 19-year-old Calgary Hitmen goalie also told her not to expect him home until June because he intends on winning a Memorial Cup this season, too.

Last week, Pogge signed a lucrative three-year deal with the Leafs and he enters Canada's opening game against Finland tonight as this country's No. 1 goalie in its quest for a second straight gold medal. He's arguably the best goaltender in junior hockey and, after years of flying under the radar, is emerging as a bona fide NHL prospect and, perhaps, a future star with the Leafs.

"It's all rather surreal," said Pogge's mother Annet. "We've never had too many good things happen to us, so he just seems to take it in stride. I'm the one who gets excited and he walks around like nothing is happening."

Pogge is a big, gangly teenager who looks stiff and uncomfortable in a suit. His hair was pretty long — until coach Brent Sutter made him get it cut.

He enjoys country music, but also has a fondness for classic rock, in particular Led Zeppelin. He plays the guitar — badly, he acknowledges — and is brimming with self-confidence, but certainly not because anything has come easily to him.

He didn't even begin playing hockey until he was nine and the only reason he was able to play was because of a scholarship from the Calgary Flames. As a youngster, he played for B teams in goalie-rich Penticton until his bantam year.

In the Canadian team's guide, Pogge's biography reads "Son of Annet." There is no mention of a father because Pogge says he has never met him. His father left Annet when she was four months pregnant with Justin.

"I don't know much about him," Pogge said. "I'm told that he's tall and thin and I guess he's pretty much an a—hole."

Annet said it's not exactly true that Justin's father never met him. He saw his son once when Justin was six months old and another time when he was two. "He didn't have very nice things to say about him either time," she said. "That's when I decided that (Justin) is a special person and I would do everything I could to give him what he needed."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
`I've been living on $18,000 a year and this kid will be making $70,000 for six months doing something he loves.'

Annet Pogge, Justin's mother, on her son's future AHL salary

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Pogge isn't the only one in the Canadian dressing room who's got a sad tale to tell. Take Steve Downie, who was a seven-year-old sitting in the passenger seat when his father was killed in a car accident driving him to a practice, or Benoit Pouliot, who lost his father to leukemia the day after he scored his first OHL goal two years ago.

Downie was Pogge's roommate during the final selection camp and had no idea about the goalie's past. But where to start? How do you tell your roomie that you have four belt buckles at home from the Calgary Stampede for Mutton Busting?

Yes, mutton busting. It's sort of like bronco busting for kids, who jump on the back of a sheep and hang on for dear life while the sheep tries to throw them off. Pogge finished first four straight years at the Stampede, following in the cowboy boot steps of his mom, who competed in rodeo events in her younger days. Before bringing Justin into the world, she was a truck driver.

For the past three years, she has been working and earning a college diploma in residential homecare. In 1999, the two moved from Calgary to Penticton, largely because the more temperate conditions in the lower B.C. mainland were much easier on Annet's debilitating migraines and arthritis.

Once Justin started playing hockey, Annet began working two and three jobs at a time to pay his expenses. She has done everything from secretarial work to accounting to jobs as a mechanic and summer camp counsellor.

For several years she worked at the arena concession stand in exchange for free hockey registration and squirrelled away her modest family allowance cheques in a separate account for out-of-town tournaments. The experience forced Justin to grow up quickly and accept responsibility. He worked too. On the day the Leafs drafted him, he was pumping gas at a marina in nearby Summerland.

It's hard for Annet to fathom that her son could some day be making $500,000 (all figures U.S.) to play in the NHL. As it is, he'll receive $525,000 over three seasons as a signing bonus and a salary of $70,300 a year if he plays for the Marlies instead of the Leafs.

"I've been living on $18,000 a year and this kid will be making $70,000 for six months doing something he loves," Annet said. "I wish we didn't have to do it the way we did it, but I really think it has made us stronger and more appreciative."

Pogge has always been athletic but in the past year has refined his game. At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, he fills the net well and has a much better grasp of when to go down and when to stay on his feet. Once he's down, he springs up remarkably fast for a big man. While he still needs to improve his decision making with the puck, Leaf goalie coach Steve McKichan claims Pogge can clear the glass at the other end of the rink from his crease.

"When he came here for prospect camp, he tested better in the fitness tests than any other goalie who has ever come through the organization," McKichan said. "The biggest compliment I can pay to him is that he's confident ... without a hint of cockiness."

At his first prospect camp, Pogge met Ed Belfour and the two hit it off so well that Belfour requested Pogge join him for a week of workouts with McKichan last summer. When he made the Canadian junior team, his first congratulatory call was from Belfour and the second was from Mikael Tellqvist.

McKichan had told Pogge the camp was special. "When we were working out with Ed over the summer, one day I pulled Justin aside and said, `You probably think this is pretty cool, but when you're 40 years old you'll realize the impact of what has happened in the past week.'"

[THE HACK]

Indeed thats an excellent read NJ!:)

After reading that its hard not to cheer the kid on!My buddy had season tickets to the Prince George Cougars and watched Pogge play there and said he played well for the team and showed lots of potential,lets hope he's right!

Cheers

[charlio lemieux]

Good article. Sounds like he may already have learned some of the mental toughness needed to play in the pro's. Good for him.
The Leafs appear to have some good Goaltending in their future.

[Max Power]

Well unlike the next Vezna or Norris man in Telquist or Colaiacovo : ) these goaltending prospects for the leafs are looking damn good.
Great for leaf fans but hopefully they don't get rushed into the organization to fast when Belfour calls it quits

[Man.Utd]

I've been quite impressed by Pogge. He never seems to even face 20 shots but he still gives you that feeling of comfort when he's in there. He's been good when has had to be and handles the puck well.

Not all that impressed by Rask. Saying he was bad wouldn't be fair as he played very well against the Fins, but any time there's been a team that can actually take advantage of his rebounds he's given up hanfuls of goals.

[Max Power]

Not all that impressed by Rask. Saying he was bad wouldn't be fair as he played very well against the Fins, but any time there's been a team that can actually take advantage of his rebounds he's given up hanfuls of goals.

Yeah but he still made some great saves, he just needs to work on the rebound control like you pointed out. If he does that he could be a very good prospect

[Newfie John]

He already is a very good prospect. He has to improve the rebound control and fine tune some other things and he'll be an NHLer. He made a 53 save shutout against Sweden, and played pretty well last night I thought despite giving up 4 goals. Then again he had 40+ shots on him so his save percentage is still in the mid 90's. I'd say he's at .938 now.

[leaferfan87]

Well he brought us gold and man am I excited about our goalie prospects.

[Max Power]

He already is a very good prospect. He has to improve the rebound control and fine tune some other things and he'll be an NHLer. He made a 53 save shutout against Sweden, and played pretty well last night I thought despite giving up 4 goals. Then again he had 40+ shots on him so his save percentage is still in the mid 90's. I'd say he's at .938 now.

Man you're a tough crowed
I complement your future tandem in nets and you still have to one up me. How about showing some love. =] Without taking your pants off that is

These two will be a great future 1 - 2 punch in nets for the leafs. Great for you leaf fans and definitely something great to look forward too. More good drafting and a team can build fast around this

[leaferfan87]

These two will be a great future 1 - 2 punch in nets for the leafs. Great for you leaf fans and definitely something great to look forward too. More good drafting and a team can build fast around this

Wellwood, Stajan, Steen, Kronwall and Colaiacovo are already the start of the core of the future for the Maple Leafs and with Pogge and Rask in the wings it is a bright future.

[charlio lemieux]

Wellwood, Stajan, Steen, Kronwall and Colaiacovo are already the start of the core of the future for the Maple Leafs and with Pogge and Rask in the wings it is a bright future.

That is why this year would be the perfect year to rebuild.
We have some great assets that maybe gone next year, like Belfour and McCabe. They will never be worth more than now. If we could get a prospect and a conditional pick for each we would be laughing.
Does anybody here think we have a team that will win the cup this year?
I think it is going to take a miracle, and leafs only have one kind of luck in the playoffs, and thats bad.

[Newfie John]

Pogge was just excellent against those Russians.

[Man.Utd]

Pogge was just excellent against those Russians.

He got robbed really. Great performances, led his team to gold, and even posted some crazy stats to boot. Rask wasn't all that imrpessive for me against great compeition due to those rebounds. It can be worked on thankfully for Toronto, thus making him a great prospect if it is corrected (+ his stamina). His first save ability is great, along with his ability to make a save even when he's totally out of position. But this award wasn't about who has higher potential.

* Tellqvist looking good right now against the Oil. At the other side of the rink, Edmonton really needs a goalie. Just in general, not so much relating to tonight.

[Newfie John]

Here's another update on our 3rd round steal, Justin Pogge.
He recently captured his 8th shutout. Here are his stats.

33 GP - 28 W- 5 L, 0 SOL.. (has yet to lose in a shootout) (Best record in league)

GAA- 1.53 (Best in league)
SV %- 0.933 (Best in league)

He's just too good for junior right now. Currently, he's the best goaltender prospect in the CHL. Possibly the best goaltender not pro right now. His most fierce competition for that title would be fellow leaf prospect, Tukka Rask. It'll be interesting to see how he does in the A next year. He's been simply amazing this year and his rapid improvement has continued.

[Newfie John]

Calgary - The Greyhound WHL Player of the Week is goaltender Justin Pogge of the Calgary Hitmen. Pogge earned player of the week honours by posting a 2-0 record, including a shutout, in two road games this week. In his two starts, Pogge allowed just two goals on 54 shots for a 1.00 goals-against average and a .963 save percentage.

On Friday, January 20th, Pogge stopped 34 of 36 shots to help the Hitmen to a 3-2 victory over the Cougars in Prince George.

On Sunday, January 22nd, Pogge stopped all 18 shots he faced for his seventh shutout of the season, and 11th straight victory, as the Hitmen picked up a 2-0 road win over the Kamloops Blazers to move them into first place in the Central Division and first overall in the WHL standings.

[charlio lemieux]

Could/should this kid be playing in the AHL?
Should we be dumping one of Belfour, Racine or Tellqvist so that Pogge can face older stronger players this season?
After his performance at the WJC, I would have given him atleast one start for the Leafs, as a bonus for a job well done.

[Leafs_Fa_Life]

The Leafs signed him to a pro-contract. I think that means he can report to the Marlies at the end of the WHL season.

[charlio lemieux]

When does that season end?
From the sounds of things he may take the Hitmen far into the playoffs.

[charlio lemieux]

This kid's story just keeps getting better.

Pogge stops 14 shots for ninth shutout of year as Calgary beats Tri-City 2-0



posted February 11 @ 23:34, EST

CALGARY (CP) - Justin Pogge stopped all 14 shots he faced for his league-leading ninth shutout of the year as the Calgary Hitmen beat the Tri-City Americans 2-0 in Western Hockey League action Saturday.

Brodie Dupont scored his 23rd goal of the season just 26 seconds into the game.

Keegan Dansereau deflected an Alex Plante point shot at 11:17 of the first period to round out the scoring for the Hitmen (41-15-1-0).

Chet Pickard stopped 14 of 16 shots for the Americans (22-25-4-3).

The Hitmen have won five of their last six meetings against Tri-City.

[Amoroq]

If the Leafs don't draft, or sign some decent defence by the time he hits the NHL level, he won't be facing 14 shots from CHL players a night, he will face 40 from NHL players a night. Still he does impress me :)

[charlio lemieux]

The KID did it again!!!!!

Hitmen 5 Broncos 0
Swift Current, SK - Ryan White scored twice and set up another as the Hitmen blanked the Broncos 5-0 Sunday night. Brett Sonne, Brett Carson and Mike Reich also struck for Calgary. Justin Pogge made 21 saves for his second consecutive shutout. The win pulls the Hitmen even with Medicine Hat for first overall. Both teams have 85 points with 14 game remaining.

It's not like the Hitmen have an abundance of scoring. I checked the top WHL scorers the other day and the top two from Calgary were hovering around 50th overall. Just makes Pogge's numbers more impressive.

[leaferfan87]

Pogge keeps playing better at the WHL level. Even if he isn't facing that many shots his save% is still around .92 when I last looked and that's great.

[charlio lemieux]

Just finished listening to the Calgary WHL game,and guess what?

He did it again!!

28 saves in a 3-0 win. First Calgary Hitmen goaltender to ever get 3 straight shutouts and go over 200min without giving up a goal.
"NHL Calibre, Big Time Pogge." -Fan 960am commentator

[leaferfan87]

Just finished listening to the Calgary WHL game,and guess what?

He did it again!!

28 saves in a 3-0 win. First Calgary Hitmen goaltender to ever get 3 straight shutouts and go over 200min without giving up a goal.
"NHL Calibre, Big Time Pogge." -Fan 960am commentator

Very good...he should be a valuable player for the Marlies next year.

[charlio lemieux]

This kid just keeps racking up the recognition.

HITMEN GOALIE JUSTIN POGGE VOTED TOP PLAYER IN CHL

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Calgary Hitmen goaltender tops Prospects Hockey's Top 35 poll


Justin Pogge has been named the top player in the Canadian Hockey League by a 19-member panel commissioned by Prospects Hockey magazine.

The 19-year-old from Penticton, B.C., is enjoying a stellar season, highlighted by his 5-0 shutout win over Russia in the gold medal game at the 2006 World Junior Hockey Championship in Vancouver. Pogge currently leads the WHL in GAA, shutouts and save percentage, and is second in wins. He was a third-round (90th overall) selection of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

"In a tournament full of pleasant Canadian surprises, Justin Pogge was probably the biggest one in Vancouver," said Prospects Hockey managing editor, Peter Robinson. "But, if anything, Pogge's play for Calgary in the WHL has probably been even better. Right now he is clearly the most dominant player in the Canadian Hockey League."

Defenceman Marc Staal of the Sudbury Wolves was voted No. 2, with fellow Team Canada rearguard Luc Bourdon of the Moncton Wildcats at No. 3. Owen Sound Attack forward Bobby Ryan and Medicine Hat Tigers defenceman Cam Barker, also a Team Canada member, rounded out the top 5 at Nos. 4 and 5, respectively.

This year's rankings are the third edition. Former Red Deer Rebels defenceman Dion Phaneuf, now in his rookie season with the Calgary Flames, was voted the No. 1 player in both previous polls. Current Pittsburgh Penguins rookie and former Rimouski Oceanic star Sidney Crosby was No. 2 on both occasions.

A panel of 19 junior hockey media from across Canada picked the top five players from across the CHL's 58 teams, and the next 10 from each of the CHL's three member leagues (OHL, QMJHL and WHL). The magazine is available in CHL arenas this weekend and on newsstands across Canada next week.

Prospects Hockey is the official magazine of the CHL, produced by CCMC, a Toronto-based media company. CCMC also publishes SCOREGolf and are the official publishers of the NHL and Canadian Football League.

[Newfie John]

I was just about to post that. This kid is definately a third-round steal. If the draft was done over again he'd be a top 10 pick without doubt. Can't wait to see him in a leaf jersey in 2-4 years.

[charlio lemieux]

Do we have to wait that long?

[Leafs_Fa_Life]

Do we have to wait that long?

Probably. Not good to rush goalie prospects. Unless he tears it up next year, he'll probably be playing for the Marlies for at least two years.

[Newfie John]

Do we have to wait that long?

Oh yeah. A 4th liner in the NHL can get 60-70 points in the CHL probably. It's a big jump. Like LFL said, unless he makes a mockery of the AHL like he's doing with the CHL, it'll take at the very least 2 years.

[charlio lemieux]

Justin Pogge Nominated for WHL Award. Pogge, Carson and Schultz Named All-Stars
Calgary, AB - The Western Hockey League has announced the Eastern and Western Conference Finalists for the 2005-06 WHL Awards. Also named were the Eastern and Western Conference First and Second All-Star Teams. Winners of these awards will be announced at the WHL Awards Luncheon in Calgary on Wednesday, May 3rd, 2006.
Here are the nominees for Goaltender of the Year, Del Wilson Trophy:
Eastern Conference – Justin Pogge (Penticton, BC), Calgary Hitmen
Western Conference – Dustin Slade (Penticton, BC), Vancouver Giants
Three Hitmen were also recognized as WHL First and Second Team All-Stars:
EASTERN CONFERENCE ALL-STAR TEAMS
FIRST ALL-STAR TEAM
Goaltender – Justin Pogge (Penticton, BC), Calgary Hitmen
Defenceman – Brett Carson (Whitewood, SK), Calgary Hitmen
SECOND ALL-STAR TEAM
Defenceman – Jeff Schultz (Calgary, AB), Calgary Hitmen

It just keeps getting better and better, for Justin. Way to Go!

[charlio lemieux]

Congratulations Justin on a great season.

Justin Pogge wins both MVP and top goaltender awards in Western Hockey League


CALGARY (CP) - Calgary Hitmen goaltender Justin Pogge was named the Western Hockey League's most valuable player and top goaltender for the 2005-06 season.

"It's a big honour receiving these two huge awards," said Pogge in a video statement played at the annual league awards luncheon Wednesday.

Pogge wasn't at the luncheon as he was travelling back home from Latvia, where Team Canada is preparing for the world championships. Pogge played in the third period of a 4-3 exhibition loss to Belarus on Tuesday night, giving up two goals.

The 20-year-old from Penticton, B.C., posted a 38-10-2-4 record during the WHL regular season with 11 shutouts, a 1.72 goals-against average and .926 save percentage.

He credited his teammates for helping him post such impressive statistics.

"I couldn't have done anything without them standing in front of me," Pogge said.

Everett Silvertips forward Peter Mueller was named the league's top rookie. The top defenceman honour went to Kris Russell of the Medicine Hat Tigers. Russell was also named the WHL's most sportsmanlike player.

Moose Jaw Warriors overage forward Troy Brouwer won the WHL scoring title with 49 goals and 53 assists in 72 games.

Medicine Hat's Will Desjardin was chosen coach of the year, while Vancouver's Scott Bonner earned executive of the year.

Pogge won the Four Broncos Trophy as the league's MVP ahead of Western Conference finalist Justin Keller, a Kelowna Rockets forward.

"He's one of my good buddies," Pogge said. "It's good to be there right with him."

The Hitmen finished second in the league in the regular season with a 47-18-3-4 record.

Pogge's record in the post-season was 7-5-1-0 with a 2.54 GAA, a .911 save percentage and two shutouts. The Hitmen lost to the Moose Jaw Warriors in seven games in the second round of the playoffs.

Calgary coach and GM Kelly Kisio said the awards were well deserved for Pogge, who also led Canada to a gold medal at the world junior men's hockey championship in Vancouver in January.

"Obviously on the world stage, you saw Justin do his thing with the world junior championships," Kisio said. "Throughout the year he was great for us. "He was probably the best goalie in the league and probably the best player most of the time."

Russell, who played on the world junior team along side Pogge, also commended Pogge for his efforts this past season.

"He stepped up for Team Canada," said Russell. "He's a great guy.

"He's an awesome goalie and he deserved those awards."

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed Pogge to a contract just prior to that tournament after drafting him in the third round (90th overall) in 2004.

The Hitmen acquired Pogge from the Prince George Cougars at the January trade deadline during the 2003-04 season and Pogge blossomed in Calgary. He wasn't invited to the Canadian junior team's development camp last summer, but won the starting job outright at the December selection camp.

The last player to win both the WHL's MVP and top goaltender award was Cam Ward of the Red Deer Rebels in 2004. Ward is currently the starting goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL playoffs.

Vancouver Giants goaltender Dustin Slade was the finalist for the goaltender award.

Mueller beat out Brandon Sutter of the Red Deer Rebels for rookie of the year.

"It's a great honour," Mueller said. "At the beginning of the year, I never thought this would happen, but if you have good teammates along side of you, good things can happen."

Russell, who won top defenceman honours over finalist Paul Albers of the Vancouver Giants, thanked the Tigers.

"They believed in a five-foot-nine, 145-pound 16-year-old," said Russell. "The experiences I came out with this year, it's been unreal with winning a gold medal and taking a couple awards home today. It shows how great a team we had this year.

"When you have a great team, individuals get recognized."

Desjardins was chosen coach of the year ahead of Don Hay of the Vancouver Giants.

"It's a great award to receive," Desjardins said. "There are so many great coaches in our league.

"When you look at the quality of coaches, I find it pretty unbelievable I got it. You look at Don Hay and you look at Brent Sutter - you look at so many guys in our league that are so good."

Bonner, who won executive of the year over Chad Lang of Moose Jaw, gave credit to his Giants coaching and scouting staffs and players.

"I think it's more a reflection of players playing well and the coach getting the most out of the players," said Bonner.

The league's scholastic award went to Brennan Wray of the Moose Jaw Warriors and the Kootenay Ice was selected the scholastic team of the year.

Saskatoon's Wacey Rabbit was given the league's humanitarian award for work in the community. Kyle Rehman was voted the league's best official.

[Newfie John]

Pogge finished with more shutouts then losses. That's unbelievable.

[Rusty]

I guess we are not as bad at scouting as the Leaf haters would have you believe............

Looks good on him, especially his father who abandoned him and his mother.