Travis Oleksuk, who wrapped up a rewarding career with the University of Minnesota Duluth earlier this week, has signed a entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks, the National Hockey League club announced today.

Oleksuk saved his best hockey for last as this season he established career highs in a host of categories including points (53 - the fourth highest total in the country), goals (21), assists (32), power play goals (nine), game-winners (six, which ranks third nationally) and plus-minus rating (+24). Last month, the the Thunder Bay, Ontario product and 2011-12 All-Western Collegiate Hockey Association third team pick became the 54th member of UMD's century club and finished with 45 goals and 70 assists for 115 points in 134 lifetime outings. Oleksuk, whose father Bill was a standout winger with the Bulldogs from 1978-82, holds a share of the team's record  for career game-winning goals with 15.

“Travis has had an outstanding collegiate career, including a national championship and we are excited to help him take the next step in his hockey development,” said San Jose Excecutive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson. “Head Coach Scott Sandelin and his staff  have done a terrific job creating a winning environment at UMD and we think Travis will benefit greatly from that experience moving forward.”