PATS - JORDAN WEAL BECOMES FIRST 17-YEAR-OLD TO REACH 100 POINTS IN OVER A DECADE

WHL Web Site - March 11, 2010

- http://www.whl.ca/ -

JORDAN EBERLE - THE SECOND -

WILL JORDAN WEAL BE ANOTHER EBERLE - YES

Regina, SK – Regina Pats’ forward Jordan Weal became the first 17-year-old player in over a decade to record 100 points in a season when he picked up an assist in the team’s 3-2 win in Saskatoon over the Blades on Wednesday, March 10th.

Weal, a product of North Vancouver, B.C., has now amassed 35 goals and 65 assists through 70 games during the 2009-10 WHL season, and sits tied for second in the WHL scoring race with 100 points. He is currently four points back of Pats’ team mate Jordan Eberle for the WHL scoring lead.

“I’m pretty happy about my season, personally,” said Weal, whose 65 assists puts him second among all WHL players in that category.

“Playing with a guy like Jordan Eberle has really helped because he’s such a fantastic player who makes me a better player, too,” he said. “I think having the confidence carrying over from last year really helped me have the season I’ve had this year because I knew what to expect and had success at this level.”

The last 17-year-old to record a 100-point season in the WHL was Pavel Brendl, who posted 134 points on 73 goals and 61 assists as a rookie for the Calgary Hitmen during the 1998-99 WHL season.

Weal is in his second season in the WHL with the Pats. Regina’s fourth-round pick, 79th overall, at the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft, Weal was the Eastern Conference finalist for the 2009 WHL Rookie of the Year award after posting 16 goals and 56 assists for 70 points in 65 games as a 16-year-old.

“I’ve loved my experience in the WHL so far,” said Weal. “It’s the best development League in the world, I get to play with and against so many great players, and it really brings out the best you.”

The 5’9”, 165-lb center is eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, and is currently ranked 45th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in their Mid-Term rankings.

In addition to his outstanding season with the Pats, Weal also suited up for Team Cherry at the 2010 Home Hardware CHL / NHL Top Prospects game in January. He was also a member of Canada’s Gold medal-winning Under-18 team at the 2009 Memorial for Ivan Hlinka tournament, and played for Team Pacific at the 2009 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

Jesse Watts - whl.ca