Following the signing of UMD men's hockey alum Nick Wolff on Monday, two more former Bulldog captains have inked NHL contracts. Andy Welinski has signed a deal with the Calgary Flames, while Hunter Shepard is now a member of the Washington Capitals.
 
Shepard, a native of Cohasset, Minn., competed in four seasons with UMD from 2016 to 2020. Most notably, Shepard backstopped the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships in 2018 and 2019. During his senior season in 2019-20, Shepard served as a team captain. The 6-1, 210-pound netminder earned All-American honors in both 2019 and 2020, while also being named the NCHC Goaltender of the Year in 2019. Additionally, Shepard was named First Team All-NCHC twice during his career. During his time in Duluth, Shepard appeared in 119 games, while posting a career goals-against average of 1.94 and a career save percentage of .922. He left Duluth with an impressive record of 76-37-5. Since turning pro, Shepard has appeared in 21 ECHL games with the South Carolina Stingrays and three AHL contests with the Hershey Bears. In three starts with the Bears this past season, Shepard tallied a perfect 3-0-0 record with a SV% of 0.969 and one shutout. Shepard's contract with the Capitals is a two-year, two-way deal. 
 
Welinski, who hails from Duluth, Minn., played four seasons with the Bulldogs from 2012 to 2016. Over his UMD career, the right-handed shot defenseman played in 154 games, while notching 24 goals and 53 assists for 77 points. During his junior and senior seasons, Welinski was named Second Team All-NCHC for his on-ice performance. Additionally, Welinski earned WCHA All-Rookie honors as a freshman during the 2012-13 season. During his senior season in 2015, Welinski served as team captain for UMD. Back in 2011, Welinski was taken in the third round (83rd overall) of the NHL Entry Draft by the Anaheim Ducks. On April 7, 2018, Welinski suited up in his first NHL with the Ducks. Over his professional career, Welinski has appeared in 46 NHL games and 191 AHL games. Welinski's contract with the Flames is a one-year, two-way deal.
 
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