University of North Dakota defenseman Tucker Poolman is the second player from their 2016 national championship winning team — along with Brock Boeser — that might have gone pro, but has decided to stick around and defend the school’s first national title since 2000, reports Brad Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald.
Poolman was drafted in the 5th round (127th overall) in the 2013 draft by the Winnipeg Jets. In his second season with the Fighting Hawks he posted five goals and 24 points in 40 games, ranking second among team defenseman.
Jets fans concerned that the East Grand Forks native might be playing out his collegiate career to become a free agent should slow down. Tucker will have a unique opportunity next season when his younger brother Colton joins the Fighting Hawks as a defenseman.
The brothers will have the opportunity to play on the same team for the first time in their respective careers, according to Schlossman.
Poolman sticking around is big for North Dakota’s chances of defending their title after top defenseman Troy Stetcher signed a pro deal with the Vancouver Canucks earlier this month. They also lost freshman Keaton Thompson to a deal with the Anaheim Ducks, and the possibility of Paul LaDue going pro also exists.
