Sheng Peng
HENDERSON, Nev. — Eric Pohlkamp is poised to make his pro debut for the San Jose Barracuda on Friday.
But before that, the San Jose Sharks’ 2023 fifth-round pick had time to look back on what was truly a season to remember.
The University of Denver star defenseman spoke on winning a national championship, what frustrated him this year, how his hand and foot injuries are healing, signing his entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks, and his excitement for the Barracuda playoffs and next training camp.
Pohlkamp participated in a full San Jose morning skate today, wearing No. 48, and paired with Nolan Allan.
Eric Pohlkamp, on his last month:
It’s been a crazy couple of weeks. I think the last time we talked, I told you I wanted to go back to Denver and win a national championship, and I got the opportunity to, so I’m just super thankful for that and the opportunity there at Denver. They did a great job with my development, and couldn’t say enough good things about them. Super happy to be here now.
Pohlkamp, on being a Hobey Baker Hat Trick finalist:
I surrounded myself with some really good players this year. Lucky enough, we made a run there at the end. Super excited about the group we had. What we accomplished and what we did was obviously the cherry on top.
Pohlkamp, on his growth this year:
I think the biggest thing for me was that every pre-scout, every team is looking at you now, so it’s a big adjustment for me on the power play. I got really frustrated on the power play this year at Denver, because a lot of teams were in my shot lane, not giving me the shot I wanted. I like to use my shot as much as I can, so it’s a little frustrating.
I’d say that overall, teams are keying on you, and it just made it, overall, really frustrating, but it’s an opportunity to [learn too], though. Super thankful for that opportunity and being able to go through it.
Pohlkamp, on his defensive growth:
I think that was the biggest thing with David Carle. He said, “Your shot and your offense might get you a couple games in the NHL, but your defense is gonna make you stay there.” Just trying to work on that every day, trying to go [against] the top lines…Overall, I think just my positioning, my stick play, just overall game at offensive side of this play.
Pohlkamp, on his physical health after some injuries:
I was pretty banged up. Honestly, it was after Christmas when my hand injury occurred. Then I’d say I think it was Western Michigan—NCHC conference play, semifinal game where I got my foot injury. That’s part of the game, you get those bumps or bruises. Yeah, it did suck, I could barely play in that last game against Wisconsin, but I wanted to be there for my teammates. It’s just part of the game.
The lower body injury is definitely feeling better. Upper body injury, it’s okay. That’s an after the season problem. We’ll worry about that when the time comes. I won’t need surgery on both of them, so we’re just lucky enough.
Pohlkamp, on how he celebrated his ELC with the San Jose Sharks:
To be honest, we were celebrating the national championship. Then obviously, it’s in the back of your head, especially after the game, I was pretty banged up, and I wanted to celebrate with my family—banged up…like injury wise—but I wanted to celebrate with my family that week, and my friends and my teammates.
I think we had a call—it was a Wednesday or Tuesday—and then we talked about it, and lucky enough, we got the deal done. Super thankful for it.
Pohlkamp, on the first thing that he’s going to buy with his ELC money:
Probably a car. We’re gonna buy a car. Hopefully make some smart decisions here. (laughs)
Pohlkamp, on slotting into the lineup during the AHL playoffs:
It’s playoff hockey, right? Every playoff is tough…I’m really looking forward to this group and going [in] with those guys. I’m trying my best to help this team win, and hopefully, make a push here.
Pohlkamp, on his off-season focus:
First of all, I’m trying to get healthy with everything going on and then spend my summer in Denver with our strength coach.
We have a great pro group there. I think with pro hockey, you have to dial in all the little stuff. I consider myself a kid, but you’re obviously not anymore, so I think it’s just the little stuff—your eating, your nutrition, taking care of your body. Every little detail, the margin is so small at this level, so I’ll just stay keyed in on those things.
Pohlkamp, on who he’ll be training with:
Troy Terry will be there. Devon Toews with the Avalanche. Scott Mayfield will be there. I forget a couple other big names, but Brandon Carlo of the Maple Leafs. Those guys always come back. It’s going to be big for me, I’m going to be pushed by those guys each and every day on the ice. I’m really looking forward to it.
Pohlkamp, on his excitement to join the San Jose Sharks next year:
It’s super-cool to be here. I’m looking forward to being able to practice with those guys, being pushed in practice, and be able to compete against them. I think that’s the coolest part, you know? Celebrini’s considered one of the best players in the world right now, and it’ll be an honor to be able to practice with him and compete with him and Smitty and those guys. I think that’s for me, the biggest thing I’m looking at with those guys, is being pushed and trying to become the [best] player.
Also head coach John McCarthy spoke on Pohlkamp: “He’s a good player. Obviously, the shot is an asset. He competes, does a lot of good things, can move the puck, make a good first pass, can defend. So, looking forward to seeing what he can do.”