The Charlotte Checkers today announced that they will sign forward Andrew Poturalski to an amateur tryout contract.
Poturalski, 22, ranked second in the NCAA in scoring at the conclusion of his second season for the University of New Hampshire, totaling 52 points (22g, 30a) in 37 games. The Williamsville, NY, native led the Wildcats in goals and points, was tied for first on the team in power-play goals (8) and ranked second on the team in assists. He concluded his collegiate career with 36 goals and 45 assists (81 points) in 77 career games for the Wildcats.
Poturalski, who agreed to terms on a two-year, entry-level contract with the Checkers’ NHL parent club, the Carolina Hurricanes, earlier Tuesday, will report to Charlotte for the remainder of the season. He is expected to join the team later this week and be available for home games against Rockford on Saturday and Sunday.
“Andrew had an outstanding season with New Hampshire and attracted interest from numerous NHL teams, so we are thrilled that he chose Carolina to start his professional career,” Ron Francis, the Hurricanes’ executive vice president and assistant general manager, said in an official release. “He’s a smart hockey player with really good speed and skill.”
Prior to starting his college career at New Hampshire, Poturalski (5’10”, 190 lbs.) spent three seasons with the USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, totaling 100 points (41g, 59a) in 115 games.