Justin Pogge (born April 22, 1986, in Fort McMurray, Alberta). The Maple Leafs first pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He won the starting job in Prince George during his rookie WHL season, winning the starting position over Leaf prospect Todd Ford, who was traded to Vancouver (WHL). Pogge was named as Prince George’s Rookie of the Year for 2003-04, after not being selected in the WHL Entry Draft.
His final season in the WHL was one to remember. He finished the campaign with 38 wins, just 10 losses, and six ties. Buoyed by 11 shutouts, Pogge finished the year with a 1.72 GAA and a .926 save percentage.
After being treated with kid gloves during the first half of the season, splitting time with J.F. Racine, Pogge handled the majority of the workload when the Marlies were out of contention. Pogge saw time in 15 games from October to the end of December but from Jan. 5 on the crease was his, playing 33 games. In six March games down the stretch, Pogge posted a 2.13 GAA and a 3-2-1 record. Pogge finished the season with a 3.03 GAA and .896 save percentage in 48 games. As is the case with many rookie goaltenders, Pogge was spectacular on some nights and downright awful on others. He contrasted three shutouts with six games in which he gave up five or more goals.
2006 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships
In December 2005 Justin Pogge helped the the Canadian team to an unexpected gold medal defense of their 2006 championship. On January 5, 2006, Pogge led Team Canada to a 5-0 win over Team Russia to win the gold medal. After the game Justin received the team Most Valuable Player (MVP) award after facing a total of 35 shots through out the game.
Pogge was not invited to the Canadian junior summer camp, and was not expected to make the team prior to the start of the WHL season, but earned a trip to Vancouver on the basis of his incredibly strong play with the Calgary Hitmen. He would end the tournament with three shutouts, and a goals against average of 1.00, becoming the hero of Canada’s run.
Pogge has also represented Canada at the 2006 Spengler Cup tournament in Davos, Switzerland. He took Canada to the finals where they lost to HC Davos in the finals. Team Canada was coached by former head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pat Quinn.
Awards
* 2007 - Toronto Marlies Fan Choice Award
* 2006 - World Junior Hockey Championship gold medal
* 2006 - World Junior Hockey Championship Team Canada MVP
* 2006 - Four Broncos Memorial Trophy - Player of the Year in the WHL
* 2006 - Del Wilson Trophy - Top goaltender in the WHL
* 2006 - CHL Goaltender of the Year
Talent Analysis
For such a tall goalie, Pogge moves very well in his crease. He handles the puck very well, and has shown he can perform at a high level behind very young and inexperienced defenceman. His composure and confidence should serve him well in the future.
Honours and Awards
2005-06
CHL - Goaltender of the Year (Canadian Major Junior)
2005-06
WHL - Four Broncos Memorial Trophy (MVP)
2005-06
WHL - Top Goaltender Trophy
2005-06
WHL - East First All-Star Team
Transactions / Injuries / Suspensions
23-Sep-07:
Assigned to Toronto (AHL).
25-Sep-06:
Assigned to Toronto (AHL).
24-Apr-06:
Re-assigned to Toronto (AHL).
20-Dec-05:
Signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs to a three-year contract.
23-Sep-05:
Returned to his junior team (Calgary-WHL).
Trades
26-Jun-04:
Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 3rd round (90th overall) in 2004.