Player and Coach - Russ Welch

Russ Welch scored 22 goals and 22 assists as a FRESHMAN at Michigan State during the 1976-77 season. It was the start to one of the greatest careers in Spartan history. As a Senior, Welch picked up another 60 points. In between his Freshman and Senior years were another two solid seasons that produced another 86 points.
A high school star at Hastings High School in Minnesota, Welch turned to junior hockey with the St. Paul Vulcans. Welch was the leading junior scorer and All-American his final year in St. Paul.
So it was off to pro hockey? No, not for Russ Welch. First it was a stint as Assistant Coach to Doug Woog at South St. Paul High and then Head Coach for 10 season. From South St. Paul, Welch went home to Hastings and has been Head Coach ever since. Come early March, you usually can find Welch coaching in the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament.