University of Minnesota Athletics
Meet the Newcomers: Sarah Potomak
6/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
By Hannah Barnes, Athletic Communications Student Intern
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Golden Gopher women's hockey team is excited to welcome nine new players for the upcoming season, including freshman Sarah Potomak, a native of Aldvergrove, British Columbia. A left-handed forward with a knack for scoring, Potomak will join the Gophers for the 2015-16 season.
Potomak finished the 2014-15 season at the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy with 26 points (19 goals, seven assists) in 25 games. She led her team to a successful season, claiming the gold medal at the Female World Sport School Challenge.
Potomak's international experience includes winning gold with Canada's Under-18 Team at the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey Under-18 Women's World Championship. She also played at the 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey Under-18 Women's World Championship, where she took home silver with Canada and led the tournament with nine points (five goals, four assists).
Potomak joins Anna Barlow, Tianna Gunderson, Emma May, Caitlin Reilly, Nicole Schammel, Sophie Skarzynski, Sierra Smith and Taylor Williamson to make up next season's incoming class. Stay tuned as GopherSports.com introduces each of the new Gophers, beginning with Potomak.
Gopher Sports: How did you first start playing hockey?
Sarah Potomak: I have four older brothers and a younger sister who also play hockey. I was brought up with it and would always go to the rink with my siblings.
GS: Did you play any other sports growing up?
SP: No, I just played hockey.
GS: What made you choose the University of Minnesota?
SP: I chose Minnesota because of the success that the team has had in the past and the education that I will get here. I love the atmosphere here. When I went on my unofficial visit, I loved how close the team was, like a tight-knit family.
GS: Do you have a major or career field in mind?
SP: I am going into education, and I want to become a teacher.
GS: Other than hockey, what do you like to do in your free time?
SP: I enjoy tennis and hiking. I also like to hang out with my family and friends.
GS: What are you most looking forward to about playing for the Gophers?
SP: I am excited for a new chapter in my life, going to a university and playing another higher level of hockey. I have heard stories about how amazing it is at the U, so I am just excited to experience that for myself.
GS: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
SP: Not really, I just like to have a nap before every game.
GS: Who was your hockey role model growing up?
SP: My hockey role models would have to be Caroline Ouellette and Marie-Philip Poulin.
GS: What is your favorite part about playing hockey?
SP: I like building friendships with my team.
GS: How did it feel to be invited to the Hockey Canada training camp at such a young age?
SP: It was really cool and an honor to be able to represent my country. I was really excited and nervous, but it was really fun.
GS: How did you decide to attend the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy?
SP: I went there when I was 12. There isn't really another program that offers as much training as they do. There are about 10 hours of ice time per week and 10 hours of off-ice activities as well, so that's why I chose to go there.
GS: What was it like growing up in a hockey family, and how has it impacted you as a player?
SP: It was really busy and competitive. I think one of the best aspects of my game is the competitiveness and passion that I have. My brothers, sister and I are always playing against each other, and that helped me become feisty.
GS: How has your experience with Hockey Canada impacted you as a player?
SP: It has impacted me a lot. When I was invited to play with them, it made me realize that this could be more than me playing high school hockey. I realized I could go really far if I want to, and that's pushed me to become a more complete player. My experience with the under-18 team has been awesome. We won the gold my first year, and my second year we lost in overtime to the United States to get the silver medal. I am going to keep trying out and hope to make the senior team in the future.
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