Barracuda Sign Clarkson University Forward Erik Bargholtz to ATO
Appleton, Wis. native Erik Bargholtz joins San Jose's AHL affiliate after a 20-point senior season at Clarkson, where he and new teammate Tristan Sarsland were both signed to ATOs this week.
Erik Bargholtz wrapped up his college career at Clarkson University and turned pro within days. The San Jose Barracuda, the American Hockey League affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, announced that General Manager Joe Will signed the forward to an Amateur Tryout Agreement.
Bargholtz, 24, just wrapped up his final season at Clarkson University, where he recorded 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) in 38 games, along with 26 penalty minutes and a plus-eight rating. That production left him tied for fourth on the Golden Knights in scoring for 2025-26. Over his four-year collegiate career, the six-foot-one, 194-pound forward skated in 139 games with the Golden Knights, totaling 47 points (21 goals, 26 assists), 56 penalty minutes, and a plus-nine rating.
Prior to college, the Appleton, Wisconsin native spent two seasons in the USHL with the Fargo Force before arriving at Clarkson's Cheel Arena in Potsdam, N.Y. His senior season showed him as a reliable two-way contributor who could generate offense while playing in all situations.
The signing is not a one-off roster move. Bargholtz is joined by his Golden Knights teammate Tristan Sarsland, who also signed an ATO with the Barracuda the following day, giving San Jose a pair of Clarkson seniors to evaluate down the stretch. Sarsland, 22, just wrapped up his senior season at Clarkson University, where he notched 16 points and 26 penalty minutes in 38 games.
The Barracuda close out their homestand as they host the Texas Stars for the first time this season, giving both newcomers an immediate opportunity to make their professional debuts in San Jose. The Barracuda entered this stretch at 38-19-2-2, sitting comfortably in playoff position and looking to add depth ahead of the postseason push.
For Bargholtz, the path from Fargo to Potsdam to San Jose represents a standard but hard-earned college-to-pro progression. Four seasons of ECAC hockey, consistent offensive output, and a strong plus-minus built the case. The Barracuda, apparently, agreed.
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