Living Out Their Dream - Shea Weber

By Warren Henderson - Kelowna Capital News - March 23, 2008

As the history and tradition of the Kelowna Rockets organization grows, so does its presence throughout the hockey world. There are currently more than 40 ex-Rockets now playing the professional game, including 17 who have appeared in the National Hockey League this season. In today’s Capital News, sports reporter Warren Henderson catches up with three former Rockets who are living their dreams of playing in the NHL.

For a former star of the Kelowna Rockets, making the adjustment to the NHL has meant enduring some emotional and physical highs and lows. A couple of early playoff exits at the hands of the San Jose Sharks the last two seasons didn’t sit well with Shea Weber and his Nashville Predators teammates. This spring, the former Kelowna Rockets blueliner just hopes the Preds will get another chance to pursue Lord Stanley’s precious mug.

Heading into Thursday’s action, the Predators were on the outside looking in, sitting in ninth place in the Western Conference. But with Vancouver, Colorado and Calgary still within striking distance, the 6-foot-3 native of Sicamous is a long way from throwing in the towel.

“This is the best time of the year for any hockey player, you’re fighting for a playoff spot and that’s what we all want is a shot at the Stanley Cup,” said Weber, who had six goals and 18 points in 45 games this season. “We’ve had our struggles with consistency this year and we didn’t want to be in this position, but if we don’t start playing our best and get on a roll, we’ll be out of it. It’s crunch time.”

That Weber is involved in a playoff race at all could be considered a bonus for the 2005 Western Hockey League playoff MVP, particularly with the rough ride he’s had this season. Weber’s 2007-08 campaign was put only hold a scant five minutes into the season opener against Colorado when he suffered a dislocated patella (kneecap) as his skate hit a rut. He returned after missing 18 games, but the reprieve was short lived as just three weeks later, Weber was felled by a sprained ankle.

Another 11 games on the shelf and Weber was left wondering if he’d ever be healthy again. “It was pretty frustrating. I’ve never been injured twice like that in the same season,” Weber said from Nashville last week as the Predators prepared for Thursday night’s meeting with the Detroit Red Wings. “In the big picture, I have to look at it that the first injury could have been a lot worse. I’m back out there playing when I could have been done for the season instead. I’m starting to feel like everything is getting back to normal,” Weber continued, “and hopefully I can help the team get into the playoffs.”

While the Predators fortunes are foremost in his thoughts these days, Weber also finds time to relax in the face considerable pressure to make it to the Stanley Cup post-season. And what is his main diversion in the Tennessee city at this time of year? What else, but Weber’s other sport of passion—baseball. “I like a lot of other sports, but I really like going out and watching some college baseball,” said Weber, who was a pitcher and shortstop when he played minor baseball. “Vanderbilt plays here and it’s really pretty good, quality baseball. I find it pretty relaxing and I really enjoy watching the game.”

From BCLocalNews.com