Austin Poganski Bio
Austin Richard Poganski is an American professional ice hockey forward who is currently playing with the Tucson Roadrunners in the American Hockey League (AHL). Born on February 16, 1996, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, he learned to skate at a young age and developed his skills playing for various teams. Poganski was drafted by the St. Louis Blues as the 110th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and has since played in the NHL and AHL, showcasing his talents over several seasons.
Early Life and Background
Austin Poganski was born to Rick and Kim Poganski in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He first learned to skate on his neighbor’s outdoor rink and joined a junior mites team when he was around seven years old. Growing up, Poganski was an avid fan of the St. Cloud State Huskies, with several family members having competed for the school. His early exposure to hockey and the support from his family laid the groundwork for his future in the sport.
Poganski played for the Junior Sioux AAA team, where he began to consider a collegiate hockey career. He eventually committed to playing for the University of North Dakota, which would become a significant chapter in his hockey journey.
Path to Hockey
Before joining the University of North Dakota, Poganski played junior hockey with the Tri-City Storm in the United States Hockey League (USHL). His performance in junior hockey caught the attention of scouts, and he was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. During his time at the University of North Dakota, Poganski contributed significantly to the team, helping them win the national championship in the 2015–16 season. In his senior season, he served as captain, demonstrating his leadership on and off the ice.
Austin Poganski Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
After completing his collegiate career, Poganski signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the St. Louis Blues on March 26, 2018. He finished the 2017–18 season with the San Antonio Rampage, the Blues’ AHL affiliate. Poganski spent the majority of the following season in the AHL, where he continued to develop his skills and gain valuable experience.
On December 10, 2019, Poganski made his NHL debut for the Blues against the Buffalo Sabres, marking a significant milestone in his career. He played on the fourth line during this game but was returned to the Rampage shortly after, where he finished the season. In the 2020–21 season, Poganski was primarily assigned to the Blues’ extended taxi squad roster due to the pandemic, limiting his playing time to just five games.
Breakthrough (2021–Present)
After becoming an unrestricted free agent from the Blues, Poganski signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Winnipeg Jets on July 31, 2021. He initially played with the Manitoba Moose, the Jets’ AHL affiliate, before being recalled to the NHL due to COVID-19 protocols affecting the team. Poganski played 16 games with the Jets but did not score any points before being placed on waivers.
Following his time with the Jets, Poganski signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Seattle Kraken on July 13, 2022. He spent the entire season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, where the team made a deep playoff run, reaching the Calder Cup finals but ultimately falling to the Hershey Bears.
In 2023, Poganski accepted a professional tryout contract to attend the Arizona Coyotes training camp. After being released, he signed a PTO with the Tucson Roadrunners to begin the 2023–24 season, continuing his professional career in the AHL.
Austin Poganski Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Austin Poganski has not yet received any major award nominations, but his contributions to his teams and his development as a player continue to be recognized by fans and analysts alike.
Austin Poganski Awards Won
Austin Poganski has not won any major awards during his professional hockey career thus far, but his achievements at the collegiate level, including winning a national championship with the University of North Dakota, highlight his potential and skill as a player.
Austin Poganski Family
Austin Poganski was born to Rick and Kim Poganski. His family has been supportive of his hockey career from a young age, encouraging his passion for the sport.
Personal Life
Details about Austin Poganski’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He remains focused on his hockey career and continues to develop as a player with the Tucson Roadrunners.
