North Dakota loses another early as Gersich inks with Washington

Shane Gersich (North Dakota-19) 16 October 8 Canisius and University of North Dakota meet in a non conference contest at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, ND (Bradley K. Olson)
Shane Gersich posted 13 goals among 29 points for North Dakota during the 2017-18 season (photo: Bradley K. Olson).

North Dakota forward Shane Gersich has signed an entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals and will forgo his senior season with the Fighting Hawks.

Gersich, a fifth-round pick (134th overall) of Washington in the 2014 NHL Draft, is expected to join the Capitals today in Montreal. He is in line to become the 100th UND product to play in the NHL.

He ranked second among Fighting Hawks in goals (13) and tied for third in points (29) in 2017-18. He also led the team in shots on goal (125), tied for the team lead in game-winning goals (4) and tied for second in power-play goals (5).

As a sophomore in 2016-17, Gersich earned All-NCHC Team Honorable Mention accolades after pacing UND in points (37) and goals (21). He was a member of UND’s national championship team in 2015-16, collecting nine goals and 11 points in 37 games as a freshman.

Gersich finishes his collegiate career with 43 goals and 77 points in 117 career games and was a plus-31.