Top Minnesota Prep Forward Shane Gersich Chooses North Dakota

Shane Gersich, the top sophomore in the state of Minnesota, and one the top 1996 born forwards in the entire country has made his college decision. The Holy Family Catholic forward will be playing his college hockey at the University of North Dakota.

Gerisch made his decision known Thursday night via twitter, noting that it was a very tough decision.

After a long hard decision I'm very proud to announce that I will be playing my college hockey at the University of North Dakota #Sioux

— Shane Gersich (@shane_gersich9) December 21, 2012

The news comes as a bit of a surprise, as most expected Gersich to be a lock for the University of Minnesota. After all, his father Frank played for the Gophers from 1985-1988. Additionally, Gersich is the nephew of Gopher greats Neal, Aaron, and Paul Broten.

Gersich told the Grand Forks Herald's Brad Schlossman that his decision came down to Minnesota and North Dakota.

Gersich says his decision came down to UND vs. Minnesota. "To be honest, I wanted to go my own way and carve my own path."

— Schlossman (@SchlossmanGF) December 21, 2012

Through seven games this season, the five-foot-eleven, 175 pound Gersich has recorded six goals and nine assists for 15 points. Despite being only a sophomore, Gersich already has over 100 points at the high school level. He recorded 41 points as an 8th grader, and 60 last season as a freshman.

Gersich's fall season in the HS Elite League was cut short due to a nagging shoulder injury that was first suffered this summer in an international tournament as he was representing the U.S. in the Czech Republic. Gersich still managed to net five goals and three assists in seven games this fall for team Southwest.

North Dakota has been hot on the recruiting trail this week, as they landed another top Minnesota prep player on Wednesday night in St. Cloud Cathedral forward Austin Poganski.

As a sophomore, Gersich likely will be a member of the 2015 recruiting class at North Dakota.