Pokulok Solidifies Medveščak Zagreb's Defense

The following release featuring former Cornell standout Sasha Pokulok appeared July 20 on the MedvešÄak Zagreb Web site.

After fortifying defense with Geoff Waugh and Saša Martinović, Canadian born Sasha Pokulok is a new member of "defense team" for Zagreb Bears.

Sasha Pokulok is a tall (196cm), strong (104kg) and capable defensman with a quick and hard shot, quality puck control and an addition that will strengthen MedvešÄak's defense even more.

Pokulok started his career in Saskatchewan junior league in 2003, where he noted 23 points in 39 games af a defensman. His next two years he spent in NCAA playing for Cornel Univ. which he helped to win the Champs in 2004. 

Next year he earned an invitation to play for Team Canada in U20 World Championship where he played in 6 games and won a gold medal. Hard plays earned him an entry to NHL Draft where he was picked in first round as a 14th pick by Washington Capitals.

Three seasons from 2006 to 2009 Pokulok spends playing for Capitals' affiliates Hershey Bears of AHL and South Carolina Stingrays of ECHL. In 2008, playing for Stingrays, Pokulok helped the team win Kelly Cup - an ECHL championship finals.

In 2009 Pokulok signs with Bakersfield Condors and spends his season playing in 49 games for Bakersfield of ECHL and 7 for Springfield Falcons (AHL) and 8 games for San Antonio Rampage (AHL).

In 4 seasons Pokulok noted 68 games in AHL scoring 3 goals for total of 15 points, while in ECHL he played in 132 games notching 19 goals and 59 assists for total of 78 points.

Pokulok arrives to Zagreb from German DEL based team DEG Metro Stars from Dusseldorf, where he played in 61 games noting 17 points and has reached semifinals.

"Sasha pokulok comes to Zagreb from Germany, which means he already tried to play on European ice sucesfully, and we expect him to be among top defensmen in the team. We observed Pokulok for past two seasons, as he was a player of Croatian heritage playing in various North America based leagues. Of course, what mattered the most was that Pokulok was highly recommended by our coach, Marty Raymond." said Markoantonio Belnić on behalf of KHL MedvešÄak Zagreb.

Sasha is expected in Zagreb by the end of July and will premiere in front of Bear's stands on 2nd memorial tournament Ferdo Spajić.