Wealin and dealin’ in Regina
By PATRICK KING, Sportsnet.ca – Jordan Weal has recorded 51 points in 46 games played.Jordan Eberle has no intention of losing his reputation as a shooter to rookie teammate Jordan Weal.
One of the Western Hockey League’s top marksmen, Eberle works diligently on his shot after practice taking feeds in the slot from Weal. And while the 16-year-old playmaker is happy to oblige, Eberle jokingly offered his reasoning behind the scenario that places him as the finisher.
"He’s got a muffin," a grinning Eberle said, trying to invoke a reaction from his teammate standing nearby.
"His shot’s not very hard but it’s pretty accurate," Eberle continued. "He can put the puck where he wants to but once he gets some strength and a quick release he’s going to have a great shot too."
While Weal isn’t likely to overtake Eberle in the goalscoring category this season, he wasted little time drawing comparisons to his Regina Pats teammate. With Eberle attending the Edmonton Oilers’ camp at the beginning of the season, Weal took center stage in showing Eberle’s successor would be along sooner than later.
In his first weekend of action, Weal earned Player of the Week honours with a goal and four assists in two games. It was a coming-out party that has lasted all season long, proving Weal is less a successor than a complementary weapon in the Pats’ offensive arsenal.
"We thought he would be good but we didn’t think he was going to be probably good enough to step right in and play on the top line," Regina head coach Dale Derkatch said.
Weal’s place on the top line hasn’t subsided this season, with the exception of his absence during the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge over the holidays.
The comparisons to his linemate are convenient but aren’t without substance. The most noticeable similarity, outside of their first names, is their diminutive stature. Eberle is listed as being three inches taller at 5-foot-11 and 26 pounds heavier at 184 pounds. The Oilers’ draft pick has been quick to offer advice for the budding star in terms of handling bigger players.
"At a young age you’re playing against guys five years older and four years older than you and it’s sometimes tough that guys can just kind of grab you and hold onto you and pin you up against the boards and outmuscle you," Eberle said. "You have to keep your composure a bit and it’s tough but he’s doing a great job with it."
On the ice, the two are nearly carbon copies. While Eberle is more of a goalscorer, both possess tremendous vision of the ice, an attention to the defensive side of the game and a strong drive to succeed. Weal can often be seen opening up passing lanes to receive the puck and is constantly calling for it on breakouts.
"They’re both skilled, they’re both smart, they both want to be the best guy on the ice at the same time so I would say that’s a fair comparison," Derkatch said.
Not to mention a flair for the dramatic. Eberle has gained a reputation for scoring big goals, particularly one that raised the spirits of a nation in the semi-final of the Under-20 World Junior Championships earlier this month. With Canada trailing Russia 5-4 late in the third period, Eberle tied the game with five seconds remaining before scoring the shootout winner.
Busy with his own international tournament in Port Alberni, B.C., Weal couldn’t help but laugh upon seeing his teammate’s heroics when he caught the highlights of the game.
"I was like, ‘Wow, he did it again,’" Weal said.
Weal’s stats also bear a striking resemblance to those of his teammate during his 16-year-old season. Eberle finished his rookie season with 55 points through 66 games, while Weal enters the weekend with 51 points in 46 games played.
Clutch scoring is often judged through a player’s ability to score game-winners, first goals and insurance goals. At the same point through his first season, Eberle had three game-winners, three insurance goals and two first goals. Despite scoring nine fewer goals than Eberle through January of his rookie season, Weal has made them count with three first goals, one game-winner and two insurance goals.
"Not a lot of players come out in their 16-year-old year and put up points like (Weal) did," goaltender Linden Rowat said. "Usually there’s a break-in period of a year or two but it seems like guys like Jordan Eberle and Jordan Weal make an impact right away."
What makes Weal such an impact player, however, is his willingness to throw his small frame around and his dedication to defence. Although small in stature, Weal has strong lower-body strength for his size as he is able to use his frame to shield the puck from bigger players. In addition, Derkatch relies on Weal in all situations, including the penalty kill, a rare feat for a 16-year-old rookie forward.
"At this point in the year you’re going to do whatever you have to do to get wins and he’s our top centerman so he’s going to play," Derkatch said.
"You never think of him being 16," Eberle added. "He’s always first on the (penalty kill) and first line and he’s always out there in key situations. Often times in the Western Hockey League you don’t see 16-year-old guys jump in like that."
And while being compared to a national hero and first round National Hockey League draft pick comes with expectations, Weal remains humble and handles the pressure in stride. Prior to the team’s latest road trip, Weal was the first player at the rink, helping the trainer load the team’s bus.
"I just try to do my part as a rookie," he said. "You try to be on time all the time and just stay dedicated. I love the game and I love playing (it)."
For the time being, just don’t expect Eberle to give Weal more shooting reps following practice.
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