ASU hockey freshman forward Cullen Potter isn't old enough to vote, but he's already one of the best young goal scorers in the NCAA.
One of three 17-year-olds in NCAA hockey, Potter already has recorded eight points in his first 16 games as a Sun Devil. College hockey doesn't seem to phase Potter after he played in the U17 United States National Team Development Program before signing with ASU.
ASU head coach Greg Powers said Potter has proven he belongs in college hockey.
"There are people that said he wouldn't be ready for college hockey," Powers said in an interview with Sun Devil Source. "He just went out against the University of Michigan and was easily one of the best players on the ice."
Powers mentioned this about Potter right after he scored a goal and shootout winner against Michigan. Potter's pivotal goal was only the second of his Sun Devil career after he notched his first in his first NCAA game against Air Force.
The team's tie against Michigan was a standout game for Potter. He registered a goal, an assist and the shootout winner for the Sun Devils. Potter described the night as nothing but incredible.
"I'd love to be back in Mullett again," Potter said. "The rinks are always electric, and it's so fun. When we played Michigan those were probably some of the best times of my life playing hockey."
READ MORE: ASU hockey comes back to tie Michigan
The next big game on the Sun Devil schedule was against No. 1 Denver, a matchup Powers had been talking about all season. Senior defenseman Ty Murchison said the team knew beating Denver would be a challenging endeavor.
"We know who they are," Murchison said. "Defending National Champions. I know it's not going to be easy ... We like our chances to get some points on the road."
Beating the defending national champions wouldn't be easy but the Sun Devils somehow found a way to get it done.
ASU spoiled Denver's undefeated season with a two-game sweep on the road. Potter left Colorado with another goal and assist to his name. His goal came halfway through the second period of game two and gave the Sun Devils the lead.
Potter is now the highest goal-scoring 17-year-old in the country after picking up another goal in the Minnesota-Duluth series. Surprisingly, Potter is the only forward on the exclusive under-18 club.
Chloe Primerano from Minnesota women's hockey team and Sascha Boumedienne from Boston University men's hockey team are defensemen. Primerano has 11 points in her first 16 games, while Boumedienne has three points in his first 16 games.
Potter is leading the pack among 17-year-old skaters across the country. Powers is confident in his young forward's future at ASU for seasons to come.
"Sky is the limit for him," Powers said in an interview with Sun Devil Source. "We're just thrilled he's a Sun Devil and it's only going to get better."
Edited by Jack Barron, Sophia Braccio and Natalia Jarrett.
Reach the reporter at Gbarberi@asu.edu and follow @Giobarberio1 on X.
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Giovanni is a sophomore studying history. This is his second semester with The State Press.
