Near the end of the hockey season, news outlets reported that new coach Don Lucia would break with a long-standing tradition and sign a recruit from outside Minnesota’s borders.
Wednesday, recruit Grant Potulny made it official, signing a national letter of intent to play for the Gophers beginning next season.
Potulny, a forward, is a native of Grand Forks, N.D. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound banger spent last season with the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League. He scored 25 goals on the year and assisted on 30 others for 55 points in 56 games.
Defenseman Joey Martin joined Potulny in signing with Minnesota on Wednesday. Martin played against Potulny in the USHL as a member of the Omaha Lancers. Martin stands a formidable 6-feet-3, 200 pounds and is a native of Rogers.
Lucia voiced his pleasure at signing two players who are expected to help the Gophers on the ice, as well as off.
“We are extremely pleased with not only the talent on the ice but also the quality of student-athletes that these two young men represent,” Lucia said in a statement.
Martin and Potulny join four other Minnesota natives as the Gopher recruiting class of 2000.
Matt Koalska of Hill-Murray and the St. Paul Vulcans, Troy Riddle of Benilde-St. Margaret’s and Des Moines on the USHL, and Jon Waibel of Baudette and the U.S. National Development team all committed earlier in the year.
In addition, yet another Mr. Hockey award winner committed to Minnesota last season. Paul Martin, of Elk River, will be the 13th consecutive Mr. Hockey to wear the maroon and gold.

Josh Linehan covers men’s hockey and welcomes comments at [email protected].