Former Cedar Rapids RoughRider Andrew Poturalski signs NHL deal with Carolina

CEDAR RAPIDS — Forward Andrew Poturalski, who played just two seasons ago for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, signed a two-year, entry level contract with the National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday, the team announced.

Poturalski, 22, played two seasons at the University of New Hampshire, finishing this past season second in NCAA Division I hockey in points (52). He had 22 goals and 30 assists.

In 115 career games with the RoughRiders, Poturalski had 41 goals and 59 assists. That included a 27-goal season in 2013-14.

'Andrew had an outstanding season with New Hampshire and attracted interest from numerous NHL teams, so we are thrilled that he chose Carolina to start his professional career,' Hurricanes General Manager Ron Francis said in a statement released by the team. 'He's a smart hockey player with really good speed and skill.'

Carolina revealed that Poturalski will make $70,000 in the two years of his contract if he plays in the minor American Hockey League. He will receive $700,000 and $832,500 dollars, respectively, if he is in the NHL.

Because he was not drafted when he played junior hockey, he was a free agent, eligible to sign with any NHL club.

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