Eric Pohlkamp

Eric Pohlkamp (born March 23, 2004) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played college ice hockey for Bemidji State University and the University of Denver.

Playing career Junior Pohlkamp played two seasons for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the United States Hockey League (USHL). During the 2021–22 season, he recorded seven goals and 11 assists in 61 games. During the 2022–23 season, he recorded 16 goals and 35 assists in 59 games. He led all defensemen in the league in points (51), power play goals (9), and power play points (27). Following the season he was named to the All-USHL First Team, and USHL Defenseman of the Year.

He was drafted in the fifth round, 132nd overall, by the San Jose Sharks in the 2023 NHL entry draft.

College On January 19, 2022, Pohlkamp committed to play college ice hockey at Bemidji State. During the 2023–24 season. In his freshman year, he recorded 11 goals and 13 assists in 32 games. He led all team defensemen in goals, and ranked second in points. He also led the team in shots (121) power-play goals (5) and game-winning goals (3). During conference play he led all CCHA defensemen with six goals and 68 shots, and ranked third with 16 points. Following the season he was named to the All-CCHA Rookie team and All-CCHA First team. During the 2024–25 season, in his sophomore year, he recorded 11 goals and 24 assists in 44 games, and led the team with 60 blocked shots. He ranked fourth in the NCAA among defensemen in scoring and was tied for fifth in goals. His 18 goals are the most in a single season by a defenseman in conference history. In 24 conference games he led all NCHC defensemen in points (22) and goals (9). Following the season he was named to the All-NCHC First Team and named NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year. He was also named a top-three finalist for the Hobey Baker Award.

Professional Pohlkamp signed a two-year entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks on April 16, 2026.

International play

In December 2023, Pohlkamp was named to the United States men's national junior ice hockey team to compete at the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He became the first Bemidji State player to represent the United States at the IIHF World Junior Championship. During the tournament he recorded one goal and two assists in seven games and won a gold medal.

Personal life Pohlkamp was born to Joe and Mary Pohlkamp. His older brothers, Matt and Chris Pohlkamp, played college ice hockey at Bowling Green and then professionally in Europe.

Career statistics Regular season and playoffs Regular season Playoffs Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 2021–22 Cedar Rapids RoughRiders USHL 61 7 11 18 22 2 0 0 0 0 2022–23 Cedar Rapids RoughRiders USHL 59 16 35 51 26 — — — — — 2023–24 Bemidji State University CCHA 32 11 13 24 18 — — — — — 2024–25 University of Denver NCHC 44 11 24 35 20 — — — — — 2025–26 University of Denver NCHC 43 18 21 39 33 — — — — — 2025–26 San Jose Barracuda AHL — — — — — 1 0 1 1 0NCAA totals 119 40 58 98 73 — — — — —

International Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM 2024 United States WJC 7 1 2 3 4 Junior totals 7 1 2 3 4

Awards and honors Award Year RefUSHL All-USHL First Team 2023 Defenseman of the Year 2023 College All-CCHA Rookie Team 2024 All-CCHA First Team 2024 All-NCHC Third Team 2025 All-NCHC First Team 2026 NCHC Offensive Defenseman of the Year 2026 AHCA West First Team All-American 2026