Watertown, SD — Watertown Shamrocks defenseman Will Shephard has announced his commitment today to continue his academic and hockey career at Division III Lake Forest College.
Shephard, who was an alternate captain for the Shamrocks in their inaugural season, joins the Foresters who compete in the National Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA).
“Lake Forest checked all my boxes,” Shephard said about his decision. “It’s a great hockey program and has strong academics. I am thankful for my time with the Shamrocks. Being a part of the inaugural season was something I’ll never forget. Super excited about the future, but will definitely miss the Shamrock community.”
Shephard added following the season, “it was awesome coming here (Watertown). I couldn’t have asked for a better situation to be in. We had a great group of guys and a lot fun.”
Shephard was instrumental in helping build the Shamrocks opening culture alongside team captain Ryan Gingher, who Shephard will now compete against as rivals in the NCHA. He appeared in 56 of 59 games for Watertown this season, compiling four goals and 10 assists to set career highs across the board offensively after seeing an uptick in his role and usage. He also finished the season with the seventh most penalty minutes in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) with 230.
“Lake Forest is getting a fantastic person and player in Will,” said Shamrocks Head Coach and General Manager Casey Kirley. “He is a natural leader both on and off the ice. Will plays with passion and intensity every time he is on the ice and he’s done a great job of growing his offensive side of the game this season. We are so proud of Will and look forward to following his career at Lake Forest.”
A native of Scottsdale, AZ, Shephard spent time with both the Shamrocks and Anchorage Wolverines across two seasons in the NAHL. He is a product of both the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes AAA program and a former captain at Culver Academy.