Flyers Draft Pick 2006 Hobey Baker Finalist

• Coming into the WCHA Final Five, leads the country in goals (34) and goals per game (0.89).
• Ranks second nationally in points (58), points per game (1.50) and is tied for second in power play-goals (15).
• Stands in a tie for seventh in the NCAA with five game-winning goals.
• Among WCHA players, leads the conference in all games in points, points per game, goals and goals per game, ranks tied for second in power play goals, and is tied for fourth in game-winning goals.
• In league games, leads the WCHA in goals (23) and goals per game (0.82), ranks tied for second in points (42) and points per game (1.50), and is third in power-play goals (nine).
• Notched hat tricks on three separate occasions - at Michigan (Nov. 25), at Alaska Anchorage (Feb. 25) and vs. Alaska Anchorage (March 10).
• Hockey Commissioners Association choice for national player of the month in February.
• Chosen as the WCHA Offensive Player of the Week three times this season.
• Posted multiple points in 17 games and has 10 multiple-goal games to his credit.
• Has at least one point in 29 of the Gophers' 38 games and has yet to be held scoreless in back-to-back contests this season.
• A parks, recreation and leisure studies major with a 2.46 grade point average.
• Volunteer activities include meeting with Twin Cities-area youth hockey teams to discuss goal setting and teamwork, and working with a youth program at a local fitness center.

Ryan Potulny, C

Junior, University of Minnesota (WCHA)
Drafted: 2003 (3rd round, 87th overall)

A pure offensive talent who is currently one of the top candidates for this year's Hobey Baker Award (the honor annually bestowed upon the nation's top collegiate performer), Potulny has simply been piling up the points since the puck was dropped to start the season for the fourth-ranked Golden Gophers.

The junior forward currently leads the team and ranks sixth in the nation with 39 points (20 goals, 19 assists) in 28 games. His line, with fellow junior Danny Irmen (MIN) and freshman Ryan Stoa (COL), has been the most consistent and dominant combination on a Gophers lineup that boasts an amazing 14 NHL-drafted prospects.

Potulny has done most of his damage on UM's top-ranked power play, where he has teamed with Phil Kessel, the projected top pick in this summer's entry draft, to form a lethal one-two punch. Potulny's 11 goals with the man advantage co-lead the nation, while Kessel is tied for 15th with 7.

To date, Potulny has recorded ten multi-point games this season, as well as four multi-goal games. In his 28 games, there have been only seven games where he didn't tally a point. All but one of those games ended in either ties or losses for Minnesota.

The brother of former Minnesota captain Grant Potulny, Ryan possesses tremendous puck skills, creativity and a gifted offensive flair. He boasts an array of deadly accurate shots, particularly his wrister from anywhere near the right circle. While not blazingly fast, Potulny is an above average skater who tends to find the quickest route from point to point.

He has great anticipation and uses his teammates well. Potulny is not noted for his defensive play, but is no worse than adequate in that regard. He has done a solid job of getting back to help out in his own zone this season, and has improved his coverage in the neutral zone. He does not kill penalties for the Gophers.

One of Potulny's most memorable performances came back on November 25th versus Michigan in the College Hockey Showcase. In the contest, he netted his second career hat trick to help lead Minnesota to a 6-3 win. Potulny has been named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week twice this season and was named MVP at the Dodge Holiday Classic tournament in late December.

There was plenty of speculation in Philadelphia this past summer about Potulny potentially signing with the Flyers and suiting up for the Phantoms of the AHL. The talented forward opted to return to the Twin Cities this season, but it may be just a matter of time before he arrives on Broad Street.