The Washington Capitals, parent club to the Hershey Bears, announced the signing of forward Zac Funk to an entry-level contract. An undrafted forward, Funk leads the Western Hockey League in scoring with 99 points (56 goals, 43 assists) in 58 games played. His plus-44 mark ranks atop the league and is his best mark to date in his career. Funk will be under contract with the Capitals for the next three seasons.
Getting Funky
Funk, 20, will be eligible to join the Bears in 2024-25 and will likely join the team when his season is complete. Hershey has added Washington prospects on professional tryout agreements in similar situations in the past. The 6’0, 210 pound forward has exceeded his previous bests in all categories, including eight hat tricks. His Prince George Cougars lead the WHL’s Western Conference and have already secured a playoff spot and their division.
As a noted scorer, Funk looks to be immediately impactful on the power play. 25 of his goals have happened on the man advantage, an area the organization is improving in. Among his accolades, he’s set the Prince George record for most power play goals in a single season with 25 to this point.
“I am very grateful and honoured for this opportunity with the Washington Capitals and am looking forward to the next chapter of my hockey career,” Funk said via the team’s press release. “I want to thank my family, my billet families, my coaches, staff, my agency, and my friends for all of their support and their help throughout my life,”
Bears of the Future
Funk’s addition is an investment in the organization’s future. The Washington Capitals are currently experiencing a youth movement amongst injuries. The Bears are finding ways to win in the absence of key players, but change is on the horizon. Players from the team’s 2023 Calder Cup Championship squad are starting to move on to the NHL. Funk will be part of the newest generation of the Bears and a key scorer when he arrives.
The Capitals have the likes of Andrew Cristall, Ryan Leonard, Ivan Miroshnichenko, and Ryan Chesley in their organization. Most of these players, outside of Miroshnichenko, won’t be turning pro until 2025 at the earliest. Funk will hone his game in Hershey and look to follow in the footsteps of those graduates. He is the latest solid addition from the Capitals’ scouts, and he’ll look to be an important part of the team’s future.
