With the NCAA's Frozen Four set to kick off tomorrow, the San Jose Sharks will have quite a bit of representation.
David Klee, the Sharks' seventh-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, and the University of North Dakota will kick things off against Wisconsin. Klee is finishing up his freshman season at North Dakota, scoring three goals and three assists in 23 games for the Fighting Hawks. Their game is scheduled for a 2 PM (PT) faceoff on Thursday and will be broadcast on ESPN2.
The second game of the Frozen Four will feature a Sharks prospect on both sides. Hobey Baker Trophy finalist Eric Pohlkamp and the University of Denver will take on Cole McKinney and the rest of the Big 10 Champion Michigan Wolverines.
Pohlkamp, the Sharks' fifth-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, has had an incredible junior season for the Pioneers, scoring 18 goals and a total of 39 points in 41 games from the blue line. Having already led his team to an NCHC Championship, he's looking for a National Championship before he turns pro. Rumors have circulated that he may decide to sign with the Sharks after the current season, but nothing is set in stone at this stage.
McKinney is the youngest Sharks prospect remaining in the tournament as just 19 years old. He was selected in the second-round of last summer's NHL Draft, 53rd overall. Known more for his two-way style of play, McKinney has also produced offensively at a respectable pace during his freshman season. He is currently 10th on the Wolverines in points with 20, scoring eight goals in the process.
Pohlkamp and McKinney's showdown is set to begin at 5:30 PM (PT) on Thursday and will also be broadcast on ESPN2.
While not all three of the Sharks' prospects will be able to advance to the National Championship game, they've certainly shown a lot of tenacity to reach the Frozen Four in general. Now it's just a matter of which will get the furthest.