Shea Weber's passion still burns bright. Instead of lacing up his skates and trying to help his team make a playoff push, the former defenseman and captain of the Montreal Canadiens has been polishing a speech. Weber is set to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 class on Monday alongside Pavel Datsyuk, Jeremy Roenick, Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell in the player category. David Poile and Colin Campbell will go in as builders.
"I miss it every day," Weber, whose career ended prematurely because of injury, said Friday after this year’s honourees received their rings. "Fortunate I get to get on the ice a lot with the kids, but I definitely miss it."
The 39-year-old has been unable to play since helping drag Montreal to the 2021 Stanley Cup final. Weber, who had a booming shot and an unassuming demeanor, knew Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning that July would likely be his last.
"Kind of saw it coming," Weber said. "It made it that much more emotional and tough to digest."
He finished with 224 goals and 589 points in 1,038 games with the Canadiens and Nashville Predators. The hard-nosed blueliner from Sicamous, B.C., added 42 points (18 goals, 24 assists) in 97 playoff contests.
Weber, who helped Canada win gold at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics, was on the golf course in June when he got his call to the hall.
"I was in shock," he said. "Once you get in here and you see your plaque with all the other legends before you and you get your ring “¦ it’s special."
Weber's Legacy: Beyond the Pain
The 2021 Stanley Cup Final run, despite ending in defeat against the Tampa Bay Lightning, is a pivotal moment in Weber's career and a testament to his resilience. This was a time when the pain from a litany of injuries was at its peak, but his commitment to the team never wavered. His teammates and coaches recall Weber's dedication and grit during that period.
The Canadiens' defense during that playoff run was nicknamed the "Big Four" for a reason. This unit, comprised of Weber, Jeff Petry, Joel Edmundson and Ben Chiarot, was a force to be reckoned with. They played a suffocating defensive game, limiting opposing offenses and making life miserable for opposing forwards.
"In the bubble in Toronto in 2020, it was Shea, Jeff, and me. Then we added Joel [Edmundson], another big defender," Chiarot recalls, in a phone interview. "Starting the season, I was thinking, wow, we have four big guys, plus Brett Kulak, who could do that job. It was unique to have four guys capable of skating and being tough. Those are good memories."
The Injuries that Shaped a Legend
Weber's journey to the Hall of Fame is marked by a persistent battle against injury. It all started with a seemingly innocuous blocked shot in Buffalo during the first game of the 2017-2018 season. The initial diagnosis was a sprained ankle, but later examinations revealed a fractured foot. Weber, a player known for his toughness and resilience, played 25 games with the fracture, all while unaware of the severity of his injury. It wasn't until further testing that the truth was revealed.
"We probably should have done more scans, but as soon as they told me it was a pain tolerance issue, I was like, 'Oh yeah? I’ll show you I can play through it'. I could have probably taken a few weeks off and maybe that would have prolonged my career,” Weber admitted, on Friday.
"But I wasn’t playing like that. I wanted to play as long as I could without hurting the team, no matter the pain. That was my character, I wanted to lead that way. I don’t regret it, even if I would love to be playing today."
The fractured foot was just the beginning of Weber's injury woes. Over the course of his career, he battled a number of injuries, including a broken ankle, a torn MCL, and a nagging knee injury. These injuries ultimately led to his premature retirement in 2021.
Despite the pain, Weber never lost his passion for the game. He continued to play, knowing that he was contributing to the team's success. His determination and leadership, even when battling pain and limitations, was inspiring to his teammates and fans alike.
A Legacy Defined by Grit
Weber's career may have ended prematurely due to injury, but his legacy will live on through his unwavering commitment to the game and his inspiring resilience.
His name will forever be etched in the annals of hockey history as a fearless defender, a reliable leader, and a player who never backed down from a challenge.
His induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor that recognizes his contributions to the sport. But it also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices that athletes make in pursuit of their dreams.
Though his playing days are over, Weber's impact on the hockey world will continue to be felt for years to come. His story is one of grit, resilience, and the unwavering passion for a game he loves.
