Cagnoni Talks Relationship With Bobby Orr, Pohlkamp’s Sister Lives in Hayward

NASHVILLE — The San Jose Sharks selected Luca Cagnoni in the 4th round with the 123rd pick. The 5’10” defenseman racked up 64 points in 67 games for the Portland Winterhawks and is known for his vision, hockey IQ, and calmness with the puck.

Here are some of the highlights of his post-Draft press availability.

Cagnoni on who he models his game after:

I’d say Quinn Hughes and Jared Spurgeon; those are probably the two guys. The way that Quinn Hughes skates and his playmaking ability is really elite. I like how Spurgeon plays defense for a smaller guy, so those are probably my two.

Cagnoni on his favorite player growing up:

Growing up. I liked, obviously, Bobby Orr, is kind of everybody’s. I’m glad to be with his agency now. So I’ve had a couple of talks with him which is great. But right now, since Quinn Hughes has been in the league. That’s the guy I’ve been watching a lot of, and I used to be a Canucks fan. So Travis Hamonic, Hughes, Alexander Edler, those are the kinds of guys that I’d watch more.

Cagnoni on if he’s had any advice from Bobby Orr:

Yeah, I mean, I’ve had a couple of talks with him. Not too much about hockey, much more just about life. I’m sure one day I’ll talk to him about hockey, and it’ll be one of the best moments of my life.

Cagnoni, on how ex-Portland Winterhawk Nick Cicek impacted him:

I still give him a lot of credit to this day. Like he really gave me a good guidance in the league. I give a lot of credit, because he kind of showed the way that it is to be a pro and the way it is to play in the WHL for Portland.

Eric Pohlkamp

In the fifth round, the San Jose Sharks picked their third defenseman in a row at No. 132, after Axel Landen at No. 130, with Eric Pohlkamp of the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Pohlkamp is the reigning USHL Defenseman of the Year. He scored 51 points in 59 games for the RoughRiders and was named to the All-USHL First Team.

Polkhamp on who he models his game after: 

I think it’s kind of a mixture of players I like, like Drew Doughty. He’s super fun to watch. Really good two-way defenseman. Doughty plays a heavy game. Also, Mackenzie Weegar, who is a great skater. Kind of those two types of guys.

Polkhamp on being an overager:

The Sharks talked to me the most out of any team. Last year, I didn’t get picked. I was ranked pretty low. I wasn’t really expecting to be. Well, this year. I mean, I was just waiting, waiting, and then I finally got picked and my phone’s been blowing up since. So that’s awesome.

Polkhamp on coming to California for the first time:

No, I haven’t. My sister actually lives in Hayward. I think it’s like 25 minutes from San Jose.  I’ll see her and enjoy the nice weather. Also, maybe see the ocean too. I haven’t seen the ocean before.