December 3, 2009

Thrashers Assign Welch to Chicago

The Atlanta Thrashers have reassigned former Harvard defenseman Noah Welch to the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Welch, 26, has yet to appear in a game for the Thrashers since signing as a free agent on July 13, 2009, recovering from off-season knee surgery.

Welch played in 40 NHL games last season with Florida and Tampa Bay, recording two points (one goal, one assist) while also earning three assists in seven AHL games with the Rochester Americans.

Welch has appeared in 73 career NHL games over four seasons with Pittsburgh, Florida and Tampa Bay, tallying nine points (four goals, five assists). The 6-4, 220-pound defenseman has also earned 59 points (16 goals, 43 assists) in 122 career AHL games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Rochester.

Prior to his professional career, the Brighton, Mass., native played four seasons of college hockey at Harvard University (ECAC) from 2001-02 to 2004-05. He registered 76 points (23 goals, 53 assists) in 129 games with the Crimson and was named to the NCAA East First All-American Team following his senior season. Welch was selected by Pittsburgh in the second round, 54th overall, of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.