Shane Gersich, a fifth round pick by the Capitals in 2014, just recently wrapped up his junior season of college hockey at the University of North Dakota. Just four days after the season ended, NoVa Caps reported that Gersich could skip his senior season and sign with the Capitals.  That news became official last Friday. After he joined the team in Montreal, Gersich got a few practices and morning skates under his belt. At Wednesday’s morning skate at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, Caps’ bench boss Barry Trotz confirmed that Gersich will make his NHL debut tonight against the Rangers. He will line up on the third line with Lars Eller and Devante Smith-Pelly. 

After Tuesday’s practice, Gersich was asked by NBC Sports Washington’s Tarik El-Bashir about what the feeling will be like if he indeed makes his NHL debut.

“Obviously it will be super exciting and a dream come true for sure. You dream about that your whole life and it’s finally here. You’re finally living it so it’s pretty exciting,” said Gersich.

Looks like Shane Gersich could be making his NHL debut tonight! #CapsRangers #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/0ZkN0ZcuNt

— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) March 28, 2018

Gersich also took part in the special teams drills over on the second penalty kill unit.

Aside from rushes on the third line, Gersich was also practicing with the 2nd PK unit during special teams drills #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/31EI1qMyaw

— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) March 28, 2018

During Gersich’s time in North Dakota, he registered 77 points (43 goals, 34assists). His best season came in his sophomore year (2016-17) as he tallied 21 goals and 16 assists (37 points).

Gersich will have his mom, dad and brother in attendance for his first NHL game. Gersich actually found out he would make his debut yesterday when Trotz told him. Gersich described that phone call that he made to his family once he got the news from coach.

“I called my dad right away and he was pretty excited to hear that so it was just a dream come true for me and he feels just as a part of it as I do. They’ve (my parents have) done a great job with me and giving me every opportunity to succeed,” said Gersich.

Gersich isn’t the only player on the Caps that played hockey at North Dakota. T.J. Oshie played there as well before getting drafted by the St. Louis Blues following his junior season. Gersich was asked about that college connection and if Oshie had given him any advice.

“He’s (Oshie’s) been someone I looked up to when I was younger. He’s been a nice guy to lean on and said to just play my game, use my legs, and just have fun and work hard,” said Gersich.

Gersich left Kettler to try to take a pregame nap, though if he can’t sleep who can blame him, for the excitement of living out a childhood dream. When he wakes up he will see the family who flew in late the night before, head to D.C., check out his locker and put on that red Caps jersey. It is an opportunity that he earned and his proud family will be looking on.

NoVa Caps congratulates Shane Gersich on making his NHL debut!

Gersich’s full interview:

By Michael Marzzacco

@shane_gersich9 will make his NHL debut tonight! Here’s a clip of his best goal from his college days at the University of North Dakota #allcaps #rockthered #letsgocaps

A post shared by NoVa Caps (@nova_caps) on Mar 28, 2018 at 9:12am PDT