Jordan Weal
Jordan Weal, a forward for the Regina Pats, recently completed a great season with over 100 points and proving himself to be one of the premier point getters in the WHL. He represented Canada in the U-18 championships, and his draft stock has consistently been on the rise all season. Weal is again proving to people that size doesn’t always matter, as he dominates junior hockey despite not being the biggest of players on the ice.
HP: How would you judge your season now that it is over?
JW: I thought it was a good year for me. Definitely points-wise it went well. It was disappointing not making the playoffs for the second straight year, but I think it was a good year personally.
HP: So, you would say that you achieved personal goals, but would’ve liked to of had a more successful season, team-wise
JW: Yeah definitely, but it all comes down to the playoffs at the end of the year and if you don’t make it, you kind of feel like there is something missing and having that happen a second straight year it’s not what you want. Next year I’m going to have to come back and make it better.
HP: What would you say has been the biggest difference between this season and last for you?
JW: I probably would have to say confidence in myself. That first year you’re a rookie, everything is new to you; it’s your first kick at the can and you tire more often and you're younger. But in that second year you’re a year older, stronger, know what to expect and have a lot more confidence and that really helps.
HP: How would you characterize your game; When you’re on the ice, how do you like to get things done?
JW: I’m a hard working guy. I try and get in there and always be involved with or without puck; just try to be the goal scorer and playmaker that I am.
HP: So, what would you attribute your immense offensive production too. Is it being in the right spot at the right time, skill, determination, or a blend of it all?
JW: It’s really everything. It’s being able to get those second and third efforts around the net and try and find anyway to put the puck in the net.
HP: You aren’t a big guy playing in what is traditionally a big league in the WHL. How do you stay productive despite being smaller?
JW: You need to use your smarts, it’s probably the most important thing; your smarts and your quickness. You can’t get into those battles with 6’5 guys because you probably aren’t going to win them a lot of the time, so you use your smarts and beat them that way.
HP: Are any nerves creeping up because of the draft, or are you just focusing on hockey?
JW: Yeah definitely [focusing on hockey]. I’ve taken a few days off since getting back [from the World U-18 championships] and am going to start training Monday. So now it’s just doing that and getting ready for net year. The draft will come and it will be fun, I’m going to LA, and whatever happens happens. I’m ready to go.
HP: What was the experience like at the U-18 tourney?
JW: It was not that great because we underachieved for the team we had. We just couldn’t come together in that short time we had. In tournaments like that you need to come out fast, and we got upset early and that really hurt us.
HP: Would you say if you had something like two weeks to prepare that the team would’ve had a lot more success?
JW: Yeah it definitely would’ve helped a lot but we need to know that and be ready for that. We needed to come together better as a team and I think we would’ve had a better turnout.
HP: What was the biggest difference in competition between the U-18 tourney and your experience in the WHL?
JW: The rinks are a lot bigger there so that’s a whole new aspect you have to get used to. Those European teams are always moving their feet and the teams in the CHL are more structured and it’s more down the wall and then taking the puck to the net.
HP: Are there any players, specifically, that you like to watch play?
JW: Yeah I try to take bits and pieces from every player I play with or see on TV. Other guys I really like to watch are Crosby, Datsyuk, and Sakic. They are exciting and play a similar style to me.
HP: So, you are a month or so away from the draft, what has been the biggest challenge you have overcome leading up to it?
JW: Just the first kind of entry into the WHL; the ups and downs throughout the season. You go through a lot of those and in your rookie season you definitely learn that. You are prepared for them in your second year so they are not as long and not as much. It is definitely the slumps and the ups and downs and you can’t get too high or to low. You have to keep going, doing what you do, and improve every day.
HP: What are your plans for the summer?
JW: Just try and get bigger, stronger and put on a lot of weight. I want to improve my overall game; get better at the things I’m not good at and get better at the things I am good at.
Photo: David Arnold
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