BREAKING: Sharks Select Eric Pohlkamp at No. 132

NASHVILLE — San Jose Sharks selected defenseman Eric Pohlkamp of the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in the USHL at No. 132.

Pohlkamp, a 5-foot-11, 205-pound defenseman, is an overager who won the USHL Defenceman of the Year this season. He scored 16 goals and 51 points in 59 games played.

Per the Elite Prospects NHL Draft Guide:

“Pohlkamp’s value comes in two forms: High-impact shots and even higher impact hits. His power beats goaltenders across the net, even from the point. On the power play, he builds play before unwinding, drawing pressure towards himself, passing, then relocating for the one-timer.

“When play comes back the other way, Pohlkamp defends the rush like an NHL’er: Tight gap on- and off-puck, poke checks timed just as the opponent exposes the puck, quiet footwork, and thunderous hits. Deeper in the zone, he steers attacks to the outside, then traps the opponent along the boards. A proactive off-puck defender, too.”

Pohlkamp was not ranked in EP’s top-136.

Pohlkamp is expected to go to Bemidji State University next season.