Cullen Potter, a standout player in Michigan State’s resurging program, withdrew his commitment on Wednesday and is on his way to Arizona State University.
The declaration was announced on the Sun Devils’ X account, previously recognized as Twitter.
Potter, a top candidate for the 2025 NHL Draft, led USA Hockey’s NTDP U17 team in points with 54 (17 goals, 29 assists) in 46 games this season.
The 5-foot-9, 161-pound forward scored four goals on power plays, two game-winning goals, and contributed 2 assists. He also accumulated eight points in seven matches for Team USA at the World Hockey Challenge U17 tournament in Charlottetown and Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
Potter pledged to Michigan State in September 2023, following a season where he scored 43 goals in 52 games with the Dallas Stars Elite U16 team. The Spartans concluded their year at 25-10-3 under second-year coach Adam Nightingale and were defeated by Michigan in the NCAA tournament’s second round.
Come autumn, Potter will become a part of the Arizona State hockey squad, which achieved a team best of 24 victories under the leadership of coach Greg Powers (24-8-6) in its previous season as an independent program. The Sun Devils are set to join the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) this season.
Potter is the first athlete to move from an NTDP program to the NCAA after a single season since Zach Werenski made the transition to the University of Michigan in 2014-15.
Originally from Hortonville, Wisconsin, Potter is the offspring of former women’s national team contender Jenny Schmidgall-Potter, a four-time Olympic medalist, with a gold medal acquired at the 1998 Winter Games in Nagano, Japan.
What factors do you think influenced Potter’s decision to switch his commitment from Michigan State to Arizona State?
Potter’s decision to switch his commitment from Michigan State to Arizona State came as a surprise to many in the hockey world. His talent and potential have made him a highly sought-after player, and his move to Arizona State is seen as a significant boost for the Sun Devils’ program.
Potter’s impressive performance with the NTDP U17 team and his success at the World Hockey Challenge U17 tournament has solidified his status as a top prospect for the upcoming NHL Draft. His ability to score goals and make plays on the ice has garnered attention from scouts and coaches alike.
Joining Arizona State will provide Potter with a new opportunity to further develop his skills and compete at a high level in college hockey. The Sun Devils’ upcoming move to the NCHC will also give him the chance to face tough competition and showcase his abilities on a larger stage.
Potter’s family background in hockey, with his mother being a former Olympic medalist, has undoubtedly played a role in shaping his career and guiding him towards success in the sport. His decision to follow in her footsteps and pursue a career in hockey at the collegiate level demonstrates his dedication and passion for the game.
Potter’s move to Arizona State marks a new chapter in his hockey journey and presents exciting prospects for his future in the sport. As he continues to hone his skills and make a name for himself on the ice, he is sure to be a player to watch in the years to come.
