In Developing Story, a regular feature on collegehockeyinc.com, we highlight current college hockey players who have developed their skills during their careers – either on the ice or off – and in turn made a bigger impact on their team’s success.

College hockey fans and NHL scouts alike have taken great pleasure in watching Jeremy Welsh of late, as the Union winger leads his team to Tampa after winning East Regional MVP honors in Bridgeport.

Welsh himself has gotten a lot out of watching his games. He credits the time he has spent analyzing video of his performances for helping him develop into a more well-rounded player.

“The video work has been big for me,” said the Bayfield, Ontario, native. “Before I got to college I didn’t really watch video. Now the coaches take the time to sit down with you, show you what you are doing and explain why if they want you doing things a little differently.”

For Welsh, who had 36 goals in 49 games with the OJHL’s Oakville Blades before enrolling at Union, goal scoring has always come naturally. He uses his 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame effectively, especially close to the goal, and has a terrific shot.

Welsh scored 10 goals as a freshman, 16 as a sophomore, and his 27 as a junior lead all participants in the Frozen Four field. But more than the goal totals, it’s been his two-way game that has grown in his three years on campus.

“I had all the raw tools,” he said. “For me it’s the small details that you pick up on video. Defensive zone positioning. Taking the body and not just standing near your man. Neutral-zone forecheck schemes. My offensive skills have always been there.”

Becoming a better two-way player has peaked NHL scouts’ interest in Welsh and – more important to him at the moment – lifted the program to new heights.

“The details all add up, in the big games especially,” he said. “It’s a big reason we are where we are.

“Our school is on a national stage now and it’s pretty exciting,” he added. “You’re not just representing your team, but you’re representing your school as well. That’s a really unique experience.”