Will Weber is one of those rare kids who gets drafted out of a Michigan high school. A towering (6-4, 205), raw defender, Weber was taken in the 2nd round (53rd overall) by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. In addition to the NHL draft, Weber was taken first overall in the USHL draft, where he now plays for the Chicago Steel. Weber’s early success is being seen as a boon for Michigan high school hockey, which has traditionally played second fiddle to powerful club team’s such as Little Caesars and Belle Tire.
He appeared basically out of nowhere to quickly rise up the Central Scouting charts and was hardly a surprise pick by the time the June draft rolled around. Weber thought his senior year of high school would be his last year of hockey, until February when the scouts came calling
After moving to Chicago, Weber has quickly caught on to the junior game, being named the USHL Defenseman of the Week in mid-October. An offensive defender in high school, Weber won’t likely replicate last year’s totals in the USHL, but he is very capable of playing a shut down game as he can use his size and wingspan with great effect.
In the two games I have seen him play, he appeared a little tentative. This was not too surprising given they were his first two games in the league. That being said, he was solid positionally and appears to have all the tools to be a very good defenseman. He can play the game rough, but also has the skill to contribute offensively and isn’t shy about rushing the puck or joining the play down low. Scouts still describe him as “raw”, but the enhanced coaching he will receive at the junior level should help him maximize his talent.
