February 6, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL) Utica Comets The 2013-14 season has been a milestone one for Comets center Jeremy Welsh. After starting out the season in Utica after a trade from the Carolina Hurricanes, Welsh got the call up to Vancouver, where on November 22nd, Welsh deflected a shot from Canucks teammate Ryan Stanton that found the back of the net. "Scoring my first (National Hockey League) goal was a huge relief," Welsh said. "It took me around 20 games to finally net it, and you never know how many chances you are going to get. It was also great to hear from all of my family and friends afterwards."

Reflecting on his experience in Vancouver, Welsh explained that being in the NHL for about twenty games really helped him get a feel for the NHL and their quick style of play. Last season, his first professional one, Welsh also got a quick glimpse of what it takes to play in the NHL, getting called up to the Carolina Hurricanes for five games. Welsh recorded his first career NHL point during this time.

Returning to the Comets on December 31, Welsh has a positive outlook on the second half of the season. "Coming down from Van, it's felt like October here. For the second half of the season, I feel I have a lot to prove. We're (fighting) tooth and nail to make playoffs this year, so it's going to be a good, intense finish." Despite only being back for seven games, Welsh has already made an impact, scoring in the Comets shootout last night where they defeated the Iowa Wild in nine rounds.

Prior to turning pro last season, Welsh enjoyed three successful seasons at Union College, a mere 75 miles southeast of Utica. While playing for Union, Welsh recorded 100 points in 119 games played (53-47-100). His 27 goals during his junior year set a school record and was fourth in the NCAA. "I couldn't have had a better college experience," Welsh described. "There were so many awesome people and the hockey experience was great. I think the college route is great for any hockey player. It helps give you perspective and enjoy life outside of hockey before (hopefully) going pro." Welsh went on to advise youth hockey players to strive towards a college education, but also added that each individual has different situations, so to make sure you pick the best developmental trajectory for your personality and lifestyle.

While coming to Utica at the beginning of the season marked Welsh's return to Central New York, it also served as a reunion of sorts. During juniors, Welsh played for the Oakville Blades, along with Comets forward Brandon DeFazio and Comets center Kellan Lain, who is currently up with the Vancouver Canucks and recently netted his own first career NHL goal. "It's pretty neat, the three of us being in Utica/Vancouver," Welsh stated. "We all live in the same house, and it was great to know guys coming here from Charlotte."

With almost a full second half of the season ahead of him, Welsh looks to make a strong impact down the road and help push the Comets into a playoff position.

Discuss this story on the American Hockey League message board... Digg this story Add to Del.icio.us

Read the original post:

Comets Corner with Jeremy Welsh