It wasn't until last nights game, Vancouver Canucks vs the Montreal Canadiens that I got my answer…….
To start off Fantasy Friday this year I have chosen one of my favourites, former Canuck, current Canadien, a gritty 4th liner who can score goals and drop the gloves, the one and only Dale Weise!
1) Born on August 5th, 1988
2) Grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba
3) Plays right wing
4) Height 6'2", weight 205 pounds
5) Drafted in the 4th round during the 2008 NHL draft by the New York Rangers
6) In Vancouver, Weise wore #32 and in Montreal he can be spotted wearing #22
7) Weise is a Dad and his son's name is Hunter (my son's name is Hunter as well, Weise has great taste)
8) Blue eyes, brown hair
Do I need to say any more? A tall, handsome, protector.
I have had a soft spot for Weise for a few years now. When he was a Canuck, I was fortunate enough to get to watch him at practice a few times. Besides his work ethic and often being one of the last guys on the ice, Weise always stopped to talk to children lined up to meet a hockey player at the end of practice. It didn't matter if there was 1 child or 20, Weise always stopped to make conservation, often tossing pucks their way and would chat about anything from hockey to shoes.
Besides talking to fans, Weise worked on his fighting skills. I once saw Kevin Bieksa fake fight with Weise at practice. Bieksa was clearly showing Weise some secret moves while Max LaPierre ref'd the fake fight. All that hard work paid off because Weise is exactly a player teams are looking for. Great skater, scores goals, can throw a few knuckle sandwiches, always willing to lend time supporting charities and has a great comedic timing that only serves him well when being interviewed by countless media members.
Above I uploaded one of Weise's overtime winning goals. Below you can check out a Weise fight, reminiscing about scoring his 1st NHL goal and his assist last night here in Vancouver.
Dale Weise for your hockey talent, fighting skill, great sense of humour and dashing good looks I declare you this year's 1st Fantasy Friday!
