Discussing The Checker's Goalie Battle

Let's face it: we're all really excited for the upcoming season. Many of us have had some built up tension in our posts, which can be understood. After a season that didn't live up to expectations, having to endure a seemingly endless off-season can be difficult. To lighten the mood, I decided to break down the specifics of the top two goalies for Charlotte this coming year. Who should start? You decide!

Meet- Mike Murphy

The 21 year-old Mike Murphy is likely the favorite to start for Charlotte this coming year. Murphy was born on January 15, 1989, in Ontario. Just under six feet tall at 5'11, Murphy weights in at 165 lbs, and played for Albany behind Justin Peters last year. He appeared in 20 games in a River Rats uniform in the regular season, posting a 2.81 goals against average, and a respectable 0.917 save percentage. Murphy's desperate style has drawn comparisons to Dominik Hasek. Being compared to Hasek for any reason is pretty respectable, but both goaltenders share the style of desperation by which they make saves. Murphy has many OHL accolades including 2008 and 2009 goaltender of the year awards. He was also a first team OHL allstar in 2008, and in the CHL, won another goaltender of the year award in 2009. The sixth round draft pick was signed to a 3 year deal by the Canes in March of 2009. Murphy was picked 165th overall in the draft, but he may just be called upon to lead the newly formed Charlotte Checkers this coming season. 

The Checkers will not only have the undersized, desperado of desperation Mike Murphy, but also, somewhat newly acquired, Justin Pogge. Let's have a look at Pogge.

Take A Look At- Justin Pogge

Justin Pogge was acquired at the trade deadline last season from the Anaheim Ducks. The deal sent Justin Pogge and a 4th round pick in either 2010 or 2011 to the Canes, and Aaron Ward to the Ducks in return. What the Canes got, is a somewhat raw prospect, with a deceptively large amount of potential. In juniors, Pogge had a 4 year career in the WHL spending time with the Prince George Cougars, and the Calgary Hitmen. HIs 79-49-13 record speaks for itself in terms of measuring his success in the WHL. Add the impressive record to a 2.29 goals against average, and a 0.911 save percentage, and you can understand why Toronto was excited to nab him 90th overall in the 2004 entry draft. Pogge's numbers with Toronto's AHL team, the Marlies, were solid, but unimpressive. His regular season save percentage was only above .900 one year (2007-2008), and his goals against average was over 3.0 in 2006. Needless to say, he was dealt to Anaheim and played for the AHL, San Antonio Rampage for 23 games before coming to Carolina and posting impressive numbers in a short season with the Albany River Rats. Pogge allowed eight goals in four games for Albany, posting a 0.928 save percentage through those games. 

In terms of acquiring Pogge, the Canes may have gotten the better end of this deal. Trading Aaron Ward, who sadly is inevitably at the end of his rope in terms of skill, and getting a young goaltender in Pogge, who has a prime chance to mature in Charlotte. Although based on his accolades and track record, one would assume Mike Murphy is the obvious choice for Charlotte's starter, but a look at Pogge reveals that he may have not yet shown his full potential, could he be the future of the Checkers? Or will it be Murphy, the Desperation Desperado that takes the reigns?

And keep your eyes peeled for- Frederik Andersen

In a year or possibly more, considering Murphy and Pogge are still around, the competition should become a little stiffer with the arrival of Frederik Andersen. A 7th round pick, Andersen is formidable from a size stand point, 6'4, and 200+ pounds. The only European player taken by the Canes in the draft should be playing another year overseas, and then may be joining the battle with Pogge and Murphy for an AHL spot.

I'll attach a poll here, if it were your decision, who would you name the Charlotte Checkers starter?