Many observers note that Cullen Potter possesses hands similar to his mother`s. Jenny Schmidgall-Potter was a trailblazer in balancing motherhood with elite hockey, famously returning to the U.S. women`s team after giving birth to both her children.
A four-time Olympian and participant in 10 World Championships, she welcomed daughter Madison in 2001 and son Cullen in 2007. This year, Cullen Potter was selected 32nd overall in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft by the Calgary Flames.
“Cullen has unbelievable hands,” his mother commented. “People frequently told me, `Jenny, your hands were great`… it`s a skill you constantly develop.”
Schmidgall-Potter was a key member of the U.S. team that won the inaugural Olympic gold medal in women`s hockey at Nagano in 1998, adding four World Championship titles to her resume. She stands fifth in all-time points for the U.S. at the World Championships, accumulating 61 points in 50 games. She retired from the national team in 2013 when Cullen was six years old and was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020.
A memorable photo captures a three-year-old Cullen on the ice with Jenny during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, holding her silver medal. Cullen admits his memories of his mother`s playing career are somewhat indistinct.
“Just a little bit… some of them are definitely a little fuzzy,” he shared at the Flames` development camp in Calgary recently. “I do recall going onto the ice and kissing the medal. I`ve seen that photo many times. So I remember certain moments, but not everything. I was quite young.” He added, “Some individuals who watched her compete say I play somewhat similarly.”
Cullen was precocious, walking at five months and skating by age one, yet his parents, Jenny and Rob, waited until he was 11 before enrolling him in organized hockey. He also explored lacrosse and swimming.
His early hockey development took place on Minnesota`s outdoor rinks alongside his parents, who operate a player training business. “Cullen always had an instinct for retrieving the puck,” Jenny recalled. “Rob and I, our deep affection for hockey clearly impacted him, and he witnessed our passion for the game firsthand.”
His older sister, Madison, was also a multi-sport athlete, playing hockey and swimming competitively for Notre Dame.
“I tried almost every sport imaginable,” Cullen stated. “But from the very first time I stepped onto the ice, I knew instantly that it was what I loved, and I`ve been dedicated to it ever since.”
“Having my mom play in the Olympics and my dad play college hockey means they possess extensive knowledge of the game. They`ve been invaluable guides through both the challenges and successes.”
The 5-foot-10, 172-pound center recorded 13 goals and nine assists in 35 games during his freshman season at Arizona State. Prior to joining the Sun Devils, he contributed nine goals and 13 assists in 35 appearances for the U.S. National Team Development Program in 2023-24.
“I am incredibly proud of him,” Jenny expressed. “He has matured significantly this past year, transitioning to college and competing alongside and against older players.”
“I understand the dedication required daily – sacrificing summer breaks or missing out on activities because you are focused on achieving your aspirations. He has always been hardworking, and while genetics play a part, much of his current success stems from the diligent effort he`s invested, guided by my husband and myself as parents.”
“I can honestly say I adore hockey and have experienced countless wonderful moments, including winning Olympic gold and World Championships, but I still believe the greatest joy in my life comes from my children.”
The 46-year-old former player continues to follow the intense U.S.-Canada women`s hockey rivalry she helped define for years. “The rivalry remains as fierce and genuine as ever. Go U.S.A.!” she declared, before playfully adding, “Cullen is in Canada now, so I suppose I`ll have to cheer for them just a little.”
