Capitals’ Prospect Shane Gersich Will Return To North Dakota

Washington Capitals’ prospect Shane Gersich confirmed on Wednesday that he will return to school for another season, rather than signing a pro contract.

Gersich told the Grand Forks Herald, “I’m excited. Obviously, we’re losing a few guys and that’s a little bit tough, but I think we have a great group coming in, we have a great group coming back and I’m really excited about it. I want to hang another banner here.”

Gersich noted “Obviously, I want to come back and be a leader on the team, be someone you can rely on—not just offensively but defensively, too,” Gersich said. “As far as the team goes, we have a great group. Getting to Minnesota for the Frozen Four is our main goal.”

The 2016-2017 season was a high water mark for Gersich, who showed tremendous growth over the last season. Gersich tallied 21 goals and added 16 assists in 37 games this season for a 1.00 points per game average. Gersich was named an All-NCHC Honorable Mention for the 2016-2017 season.

The 5′-11″ 18-year old Sophomore, from Chaska, Minnesota was a 5th round pick (134th overall) by the Capitals in the 2014 NHL entry draft. Gersich remains unsigned by the Capitals, and will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2018.

Gersich’s highlight reel was impressive this season, but nothing more flashy than his “spin-o-rama” goal against Denver on November 11th.