The Vancouver Canucks made a strategic move to bolster their AHL affiliate’s coaching staff by hiring Justin Pogge as the new goaltending coach for the Abbotsford Canucks. Pogge, a former Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender, brings a wealth of experience from his extensive career in the AHL, international leagues, and European professional hockey.
Despite a brief NHL career with just seven games played for the Maple Leafs in 2009, Pogge’s expertise as a goaltender is well-regarded, particularly from his time in the AHL and his success with the Canadian national junior team, where he helped secure a gold medal at the 2006 World Junior Championship.
Abbotsford Canucks general manager Ryan Johnson expressed his excitement about the hire, emphasizing Pogge’s vast experience and the impact he expects Pogge to have on developing the team’s goaltenders. This move is part of a broader effort by the Canucks to strengthen their AHL team following their semifinal loss to the Ontario Reign last season. Pogge’s extensive background, including 254 regular-season AHL games and his time with the Toronto Marlies, positions him as a valuable asset for the Canucks as they aim to build a stronger squad for the 2024-25 campaign.
