Potulny Delivers Gophers NCAA Crown
Ottawa Senators' prospect Grant
Potulny ended a 23-year drought for the University of Minnesota, scoring
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the overtime winner to give the Golden Gophers a come-from-behind, 4-3 win over
the Maine Black Bears in the championship finale.
The 22-year-old North Dakota native also scored the game-winner in a two-goal
performance against Michigan in the semi-finals, and was a unanimous selection
as MVP of the Frozen Four Tournament. Other players voted to the All-Tournament
Team included teammates' John
Pohl (StL) and goalie Adam
Hauser (Edm), and a trio of Black Bears in Peter
Metcalf (Tor), Michael Schutte (none) and Robert Liscak (none).
Following an impressive 22-goal freshman showing in 2000-01, that included
team-highs in power-play goals (16) and game-winners (5), Potulny's production
slipped in his sophomore campaign, finishing with 15 goals. However, he came
through when it mattered most, netting the season's final two game-enders which,
ironically, were his only winning goals all season.
A big, hard-working grinder with good hands, Potulny knows how to use his size
and strength to gain position around the opposing goal and has a nice touch
in close. He is very adept at deflecting point shots and plays with tremendous
grit and determination. Admittedly not the swiftest skater nor the flashiest
puckhandler, he is, however, a consummate team player who brings leadership,
a solid work ethic and a willingness to operate in high-traffic areas.
Projected as a rugged role player who can score the odd goal at the NHL level,
Potulny has two more years left of collegiate eligibility to refine his skating
and overall quickness.
He's already proven to be a 'big game' player and a winner.