February 22, 2008

Cats' Defenseman Welch Targets Return

The following article featuring former Harvard defenseman Noah Welch appeared in the February 22 issue of The Miami Herald.

BY PATRICK DORSEY

Noah Welch might be back sooner than expected.

The 25-year-old defenseman, out since November, is targeting a return in early March. Welch played four games before undergoing right shoulder surgery, which was to sideline him four to six months.

Welch skated with the team Thursday morning while wearing a yellow noncontact jersey. Coach Jacques Martin said that will continue until next week, when he could begin participating in some contact drills.

Naturally, Welch is excited.

''Now that it's close,'' Welch said, ``I'm definitely very eager and happy that I have a short-term goal to shoot for as opposed to a long four-month goal that I had a couple months ago.''

Welch also said his shot ''feels good,'' though his wrist shot is ``definitely a little weak.''

But he said his shoulder is gaining strength.

''I think in the next two weeks, it should be like night and day,'' he said.