By Mitch Bach

‘Just one of those places’: Sogaard on stellar play in Red Deer

Jan 24, 2019 | 5:36 PM

RED DEER, AB — There’s something in the water in Red Deer that brings out the best in Mads Sogaard.

The Medicine Hat Tigers netminder looked his usual calm, cool, and breezy self in Wednesday night’s CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game at the ENMAX Centrium.

Tending Team Cherry’s twine for the first 30 minutes, the 18-year-old turned aside 17 of 18 shots before Taylor Gauthier took over the crease. Team Cherry, head coached by broadcasting legend Ron MacLean, held a 2-1 lead over Team Orr at that point. 

It’s becoming the norm for Sogaard to perform brilliantly in Red Deer, regardless of his opponent, or (such as the case Wednesday night) his own teammates.

“It’s funny. I was with (Rebels forward) Oleg Zaytsev on our team, and he’s quite mad at me for giving the Red Deer Rebels a hard time and not letting too much in,” laughed Sogaard on a phone call from Red Deer.

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Sogaard has been a nightmare for the Rebels this season. He’s undefeated in four starts against Red Deer, two of which at the ENMAX Centrium.

On Nov. 24 in Red Deer, the 6’7″ Danish keeper regrouped after allowing a couple early goals, helping Medicine Hat stage a 7-3 victory with 25 saves.

One of his greatest performances of his rookie campaign came in front of Rebels faithful a few weeks later. Sogaard was a hair from perfection, allowing just a single tally on 50 shots in Medicine Hat’s 4-1 win. 

That’s 74 saves on 78 shots, which translates to a dapper .949 save percentage.

“It’s just one of those places where I just enjoy playing there,” he said. “I just like it there.”

With the masses of NHL scouts and brass closely watching the World Juniors competitor, Sogaard turned in another strong performance against some of the best draft-eligible players in the CHL.

Although Team Cherry crumbled in the final minutes of play, allowing Team Orr to erase a two-goal deficit to win 5-4, Sogaard had already done his job.

“I felt really good, I felt like I saw the puck well,” he continued. “I was reading plays of some really skilled players which is not easy to do. I felt that I did that pretty good. I just want to take that into my next game with the Tigers and make sure I’m at my best.”

He might not have to wait long, either. It just so happens the Tigers next game is in Red Deer, where Sogaard is staying for the time being. He’ll link up with his team ahead of puck-drop Friday.

“I’m just resting up and making sure I’m ready to go. If I get the chance to play, I’ll definitely be ready. I’d love to have another good performance in the ENMAX Centrium,” he smirked.