SCHENECTADY – Union College junior defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere returned to campus today with his national championship team and without an NHL contract.

Gostisbehere said he’s still weighing whether to forego his senior year to sign with the Philadelphia Flyers, who drafted him in the third round two years ago.

“I haven’t made a decision,” Gostisbehere said. “Just come back with my team and just having a good time right now … I’m caught up in the moment with my team right now and celebrating a national title.”

One day after beating Minnesota 7-4 in Philadelphia for their first NCAA Division I title on Saturday night, the Dutchmen were welcomed back to campus by hundreds of fans who waited for the team bus behind Messa Rink.

Union coach Rick Bennett said he encouraged Gostisbehere not to rush into signing with with the Flyers. Two years ago, Dutchmen forward Jeremy Welsh helped Union reach the Frozen Four in Tampa, Fla., then came to terms with Carolina just hours after the Dutchmen were beaten by Ferris State in the semifinals. Welsh reported immediately to the Hurricanes and didn’t accompany Union back to Schenectady.

“The only thing I asked (of) Shayne after the game was, don’t make any rash decisions,” Bennett said. “I wanted to make sure he did it the right way. I didn’t think I did enough with the Welsh situation. So I’m proud of Shayne for being on this bus because if he wasn’t on this bus, he wouldn’t see this (crowd).”

Gostisbehere’s star has never shined brighter than after his superb performance in the title game to earn Most Outstanding Player for the tournament. He registered a surreal plus-seven rating against the Golden Gophers for being on the ice for all seven goals. He was on the bench for all three Minnesota even-strength goals.

“More importantly, I was happy my team stuck with it and we won,” Gostibehere said.

He said he’ll consult with his family and his advisor before deciding whether to jump to the pros.

“Just weighing what’s best for my development and for my career, too,” Gostisbehere said. “I’m just taking the options, taking time with my family right now and see what’s going to be the best option.”

Union won the title in Wells Fargo Center, the home of the Philadelphia Flyers, which could be his professional workplace.

“It was pretty cool to do it in that building and I was glad I could chip in for my team in any way possible,” Gostisbehere said.

He said he got a congratulations text from Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren after Saturday’s final, but that they did not communicate beyond that. Gostisbehere said he doesn’t feel pressured by the NHL franchise to make up his mind.

“They’re letting me do my thing right now, and I respect them for that,” he said. “I’m taking it slow and just waiting with my family and going to see what the best decision is for me.”

Gostisbehere was asked if he might have more financial leverage in leaving now, rather than waiting until after his senior year.

“I guess you could look at it like that,” he said. “But when you graduate, you can pick a different team sometimes, so both ways.”