Canada’s recent gold-medal win at the 2023 World Hockey Championships had a helping hand from a Pentictonite.
Justin Pogge, a former NHL netminder, is bringing home hardware as Canada’s goaltending consultant after the team defeated Germany in the gold-medal game in Tampere, Finland on Sunday, May 28.
Although Pogge was born in Fort McMurray, Alta., the goaltender grew up in Penticton and spent his early years playing on the local ice.
He was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round of the 2004 NHL Draft and would later appear in seven games for the club during the 2008-2009 season.
Among the highlights of Pogge’s career include winning a gold medal with Canada at the 2006 World Junior Hockey Championships, hosted by Vancouver.
The 37-year-old announced his retirement in the crease earlier this year, after playing 11 seasons professionally for teams in Italy, Sweden, Russia and Germany.
Pogge joined Hockey Canada in a goaltending consultant role, following his retirement.
Canada became 28-time world champs at the tournament with its 5-2 win against Germany on Sunday.
Samuel Montembeault made 21 saves for Canada in the gold-medal game.
Along with his time with the men’s senior team in Europe, Pogge also served as a goaltending consultant for Canada at this year’s U18 world championships in April.
READ MORE: Hockey Canada announces roster for 2023 men’s U18 world championship
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