By Nate Ewell

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.

Tanner Kero’s college career reads like a storybook. A local kid, he earned a spot on his favorite team, the Michigan Tech Huskies. He was a solid contributor from the start, but as a senior – now playing alongside his brother, Devin – he emerged as the best player in the WCHA, while the team enjoyed its most successful season since well before he was born.

What’s more, the mathematics major was named the WCHA Scholar-Athlete of the Year. And he’s universally acclaimed as one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.

That kindness, in fact, held back his on-ice development.

“You could see, when he came here, he was a good skater, a good player, but he was more of a guy who stayed on the perimeter and made plays,” Michigan Tech head coach Mel Pearson said. “We wanted him to play with more bite, and he’s such a nice kid, that didn’t come naturally to him. He’s the type who wants to hold the door open for you, and we’re asking him to shut it in people’s face.”

Kero (Hancock, Mich./Fargo-USHL) admits that developing that on-ice snarl didn’t come naturally.

“I had to become a little more gritty,” he said. “I was able to get physically stronger and faster and that has allowed me to play that style of game. I was kind of more of a perimeter player at first, and I had to start incorporating a lot more physicality.”

Learning that style was a multi-step process. Coaches Pearson, Bill Muckalt, Damon Whitten and Joe Shawhan stayed on him in battle drills and other practice opportunities. Kero added strength to his 5-foot-11 frame in strength and conditioning sessions during the year and the off-season.

The biggest motivation, however, came on Friday and Saturday nights. As his goal totals climbed each year, Kero was rewarded for getting to the game’s dirty areas. Nothing reinforces a coach’s message like success.

“It takes a bit to get used to,” he said of his change in style. “Once you realize you can have success, it makes it easier the next time.”

Wild camp invite

Another key was a stint at the Minnesota Wild’s development camp last summer. Despite a 15-goal season as a junior, Kero wasn’t assured of a development camp invitation, but Michigan Tech connections won out. Pearson connected with Husky alum and Wild scout Brian Hunter, and Kero secured an invite.

That experience clearly had an impact.

“It was a great experience,”Kero said. “I was very lucky, very fortunate to have that opportunity. It was tough at first, but they taught us a lot. You realize how hard you have to compete at that level.”

Pearson could tell, from the start, that Kero would absorb whatever he could. It was just a matter of getting Kero to alter his on-ice personality.

'Like a sponge'

“He’s like a sponge,” the coach said. “He takes in everything, and he has continued his growth, not only as a player but also as a person. He has come out of his comfort zone and it has made him a better player.”

Now, with WCHA Player of the Year honors and a Hobey Baker nomination under his belt, Kero takes aim at the WCHA Final Five and the NCAA Tournament. He has been the catalyst in leading the Huskies – a team he has rooted for all his life – to heights not seen in Houghton since the early ‘80s.

Beyond that, the player who had to pull some strings for a development camp invite will be due a bit more attention once his season ends. Expect Kero – and his newfound gritty style of play – to earn an NHL free agent opportunity.