On a team full of NHL chirpers, Shane Gersich is going to fit right in.
After playing in his first NHL game Wednesday, Gersich posted a photo on his Instagram captioned “Dream Come True.”
The comments in his Instagram posting introduced Caps fans to a long-running inside joke between Gersich and his former University of North Dakota teammates, including NHL sensation Brock Boeser.
By Cara Bahniuk 6 years ago
Whenever a rookie first steps onto the NHL stage, the result is always a wildcard. Wednesday, during Shane Gersich’s NHL debut, the talented forward was arguably the Capitals best player.
According to Natural Stat Trick, Gersich, in eight minutes and fifty-two seconds of five-on-five ice time, had a 68.2 shot-attempts percentage (15 shots for, 7 against), finishing second only to John Carlson (73.1 percent). The University of North Dakota alum also led the team in scoring chance percentage (80 percent), seeing eight chances and two against while he was out on the ice.
The undersized forward was fast and skilled as advertised, but he was a real difference maker while forechecking and backchecking. Gersich’s tenacity forced turnovers and wore down opposing players in the defensive zone. He finished the evening with three shots on goal, second only to Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson (5).
Shane Gersich is making his NHL debut on Wednesday night after signing a two-year deal on Friday.
To celebrate his big milestone, the Capitals gave Gersich the “rookie treatment” during warmups. The UND alum took a few solo laps on the ice before the rest of the team joined him.
By Cara Bahniuk 6 years ago
Wednesday during the Capitals morning skate, Shane Gersich lined up on the third line with Lars Eller and Devante Smith-Pelly.
The 21-year-old UND alum will indeed make his NHL debut tonight against the New York Rangers. Gerisch’s family, including his mom, dad and older brother, will all be in attendance for the game.
Tuesday afternoon, the Washington Capitals took the ice at noon for practice after defeating the New York Rangers 4-2 – their eighth win in their last nine games. Head coach Barry Trotz made some changes to the forward lines, and it appears rookie Shane Gersich will make his NHL debut against the Rangers Wednesday night at Capital One Arena.
On Friday, the Capitals signed prospect Shane Gersich to a two-year entry-level contract. Gersich immediately joined the team in Montreal for dinner on Friday night, and participated in Saturday’s morning skate.
Following morning skate, Gersich spoke to the media about his decision to leave the University of North Dakota early and turn pro.
“You give it a little bit of thought and you weigh your options,” Gersich said. “But at the end of the day, I wanted to be a pro hockey player. That was my dream when I went to North Dakota. So, I thought I’d take that opportunity.”
The full transcription follows below.
By Donya Abramo 6 years ago
On Wednesday, North Dakota media reported that prospect Shane Gersich would forego his senior year at the University of North Dakota to sign with the Capitals. Friday morning the Capitals confirmed those reports, announcing that the 21-year-old forward has signed a two-year entry-level deal with the team. The deal, worth $925,000 annually, will start during the current 2017-18 season.
By Rachel Cohen 6 years ago
KVRR Sports, the FOX affiliate in Fargo, North Dakota, is reporting that 2014 fifth-round pick Shane Gerich will forego his senior season with the North Dakota Fighting Hawks and sign an entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals.
Gersich was arguably ready to play professional hockey this season, but wanted to take more of a leadership role on his college team.
The Washington Capitals celebrated the New Year with family and friends Sunday night. And they made sure not to forget about you, their adoring fans.
This summer in Minnesota, several dozen NHL players are participating in an organized summer league called Da Beauty League.
Current and former Capitals Taylor Chorney, Nate Schmidt, Shane Gersich, Aaron Ness, Travis Boyd, and Matt Hendricks are dispersed amongst the league’s six teams which includes other NHL players and prospects.
While Chorney has lit up the scoreboard and Schmidt has played in his old Capitals gear, other familiar names have been having productive summers getting ready for the upcoming season.
On Tuesday, after former NHL All-Star Game MVP and Da Beauty League commissioner John Scott finally arrived, the league got everyone together for official team photos.
They are awesome.
By Cara Bahniuk 6 years ago
