This past season, sophomore center Andrew Poturalski put together one of the most dominant individual seasons by a Wildcat in recent history. The sophomore finished with 22 goals and 30 assists for 52 points in 37 games. He consistently produced offense throughout the entire season, which included an incredible 14-game stretch during which he accumulated 30 points, only being held without a point in a 4-0 shutout at Michigan State.

The skilled forward racked up numerous accolades for his efforts, which included the Hockey East scoring title that made him the first UNH skater to do so since Paul Thompson tied for the honor in the 2010-2011 season. Poturalski was also a top-10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, a CCM Hockey Division I All-American first team selection, a New England Hockey Division I All-Star and a Hockey East First Team All-Star.

The Williamsville, New York native’s impressive season caught the eye of NHL scouts, and on March 8, he signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. He finished the season with the Hurricanes’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, and totaled two goals and three assists for five points in 16 games.

After signing the deal, Poturalski called the decision to leave UNH “stressful” and “really difficult,” but said he was excited to work toward the opportunity of playing in the NHL.