Courtesy: Greg Harder Leader Post

REGINA — Being in the thick of the WHL scoring race has earned Jordan Weal a whole lot of unwanted attention.

The Regina Pats’ star, who sits second in the league with 83 points, simply shrugs off the talk about scoring titles, MVP trophies and other individual accolades. Truth is, the only race that consumes Weal these days is the one that ends in a post-season berth for the Pats.

“The most important thing is getting wins and getting in the playoffs,” offered Weal, who sits three points behind Portland’s Ty Rattie for the league lead. “Scouts (and NHL brass) look at teams that win. If you win, that’s what brings them in to watch. If we get to the playoffs it’s only going to help myself and everyone else on our team.”

That’s the voice of experience talking.

Weal has been there and done that in terms of the WHL scoring race, having finished fifth last season with 96 points and third in 2009-10 with 102 points (linemate Jordan Eberle was second with 106, one behind leader Brandon Kozun of the Calgary Hitmen).

This season, Weal has larger concerns.

“It was fun when I got to play with Ebs and we were in the scoring race but we never got the chance to play in the post-season,” continued Weal, whose team has missed the playoffs in each of the past three years. “That was a real downer. I have to learn how to win again because we haven’t won much these last three years. Going to the pros, they like winners.”

Weal has looked like one for the past month, recording 10 goals and 29 points during a 13-game streak. However, points have been a little tougher to come by as of late — two goals and six assists in his past six games — while teams place even more emphasis on stopping the Pats’ best player.

Sometimes by any means necessary.

“It can (frustrate you) but I don’t think it does for me,” Weal said with a sly grin. “That’s what makes hockey fun is battling against the other guy and trying to beat them. When you have extra attention it makes it that much sweeter when you can come away with the win.”

That’s the kind of response head coach Pat Conacher has come to expect from Weal, whose sheer determination helps him battle through adversity.

“It’s part of hockey,” said Conacher. “I think (Weal) handles it extremely well. He comes and battles each and every night. He knows he’s going to face the other team’s best checkers, the other team’s best players. We don’t even talk about it but, to see how he goes about his business, I think he takes it as a huge challenge. It’s a pride thing with him. ‘Throw your best guy at me. I want it!’ ”

Weal chuckled when it was pointed out that he often plays some of his best hockey when he’s “ticked off” and carrying a chip on his shoulder.

By adding fuel to those flames, the opposition runs the risk of getting burned.

“You do get a little fire when you get a couple hits and you’re battling with a guy,” he admitted. “I think of it as a little more fun. It’s a weird kind of fun but as a competitive person that’s what you live for.”

When it comes to getting in Weal’s head, many have tried and many have failed. In fact, the icy-veined centre has a way of turning the tables without being fully aware of it.

“If you’re enjoying it, it can really get under their skin,” said Weal, who has pretty much seen every illegal tactic and heard every form of trash talk in the book — including taunts by opposing coaches. “You get it all. It has been happening for a couple years now. There are always going to be guys trying to get under your skin but it’s something you just laugh off and keep focusing on your game. It’s just a guy chirping at you. That’s all it is. It’s like a little sister, if you ignore her long enough she’s going to shut up and stop bugging you.”

NOTE: The Pats will be without forwards Dominik Volek and Chandler Stephenson for Wednesday’s game against the host Prince Albert Raiders due to the CHL Top Prospects Game in Kelowna. Results from Tuesday’s CHL skills competition were unavailable at press time.

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