If he wasn't a hockey player, Shea Weber would have become a detective. It doesn't take a private eye, though, to see that Weber just might be on a fast track to the NHL.
The 21-year-old defenseman is having a fantastic freshman season for the Milwaukee Admirals. He has 11 goals, 14 assists for 25 points through his first 41 games.
Beyond the numbers, Weber is a powerful skater, displaying ability and agility at both ends of the ice.
He has shown he can play a tight gap to rushing opponents without the threat of being beaten one on one on offense.
Shea is quick to realize that it will take more than his good offensive skills to realize his life-long goal of playing in the NHL. That's why his focus has been more on the defensive end of the ice.
Weber likes to get involved in physical play. He likes to hit. When the opposition's top offensive players enter the attacking zone, Weber makes certain they are well aware of him.
He can be used in any situation.
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound product of Sicamous, B.C. scored two power play goals in one game last December and has shown he can fire the puck with authority from the point.
Weber’s point production has been consistent with his WHL point total from last season with Kelowna when he recorded 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists) in 55 games, plus 17 more in 18 play-off games en route to winning the WHL Playoff MVP award. Weber has played a disciplined game for the Admirals, taking far less penalty minutes than he did in juniors.
He is one of the top defensemen in rookie scoring.
In his spare time, Weber likes to read non-fiction detective stories. His tube groove is " The Family Guy.” On long bus rides, he and his teammates never get sick of watching the legendary hockey movie, "Slap Shot.'' Sometimes on roadies he'll pass the time by listening to the band, Nickleback.
We see Weber on the fast track, a top-twenty player with high NHL potential if he remains healthy and stays on his current pace.
- Fran Sypek
