Forward Shane Gersich just finished his freshman season at UND. The Fighting Hawk is a high energy winger that will score a lot of goals when left in space, and uses his high motor to get to the puck to set his line mates up throughout the season. Gersich did get muscled off the puck a few times during the season and sat a few games when UND needed more physicality in its forward ranks or for injury.

The Capitals prospect played 37 games during the season and scored 11 points (9 G,2A) most of Gersich’s goals were high motor ones where he used his speed and skill to set himself up to contribute.

As the season went on Gersich’s scoring per game decreased, and he was getting muscled off the puck more and more. By season’s end however, Gersich had improved his game and set himself up to be in he right place at the right time to score the first goal of the National Championship vs. Quinnipiac.

Gersich has more room to grow as he will increase his strength in the off-season. Increased strength will help him maintain the cycle and keep plays alive longer. He has two more years to sign a pro deal with the Capitals exclusively before he can opt for the free agency route. If he comes back for his senior season he can be a free agent,and sign with an NHL club.

Grade:7/10

Gersich will improve his physical skills with time which will cause his goal totals to increase and allow  him to compete as an every day top six forward. We expect Gersich to play at least one more season with the Fighting Hawks. Gersich seems to do better the second year at wherever he ends up,as evidenced by his strong play with the Omaha Lancers of the USHL in the year following his draft selection. Gersich had a 17 point improvement in his second full year in the USHL with the Lancers. Look for him to have at least a ten point improvement with the Fighting Hawks this season.

Reference Page:http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=168706