“Mike Weber is one of those players that made a real big jump this year in terms of what he meant to our hockey team, how he plays the game, just the potential that he has to continue to grow on this team,” Rolston said. “It put a player like Mike in more of a leadership role because of what he did and because of the minutes that he had. He was in the lineup every night blocking shots, sacrificing for his teammates.
“He’s put himself in a situation where he can be one of those guys that are in the room and holding guys accountable.”
In my opinion he is literally the only choice. And that's a good thing.
- Steve Ott can be a vocal leader, but his "toe the line" style of play will prevent him from wearing the C.
- Thomas Vanek... even if he's extended... what has he ever done in the "accountability" department? The vocal leadership department? Have you ever heard a "Vanek is a leader" story?
- Christian Ehrhoff is signed long term, is a veteran, and his effort on the ice is never in question... but do you see Captain material in him? Is he the guy who is going to hold people accountable off the ice?
- The rest of the crew is simply too young... we may have some future Captains in Foligno or Hodgson or even Myers... but they are too young, and their development too important to hoist the leadership of a "bad" team on their shoulders... it would be detrimental.
Mike Weber is a vet
He's had to fight just to keep his job in the NHL
He's had to deal with demotions
He's a tough character who clearly isn't afraid to defend his teammates on the ice, and all media reports indicate that he was the voice in the lockerroom in the 2nd half of the seasons
“Everyone personally and as a team, we need to go in a different direction here and change the culture here,” Weber said. “Guys need to be held accountable. I think a lot of that’s been lost over the last couple of years."
and he's already viewed as such by his teammates :
http://www.buffalonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130517/SPORTS/130519254/1104Weber, who started the season as a healthy scratch, fought his way into the lineup. He played 42 of the 48 games and was voted “Unsung Hero” by his teammates.
“It’s a huge honor,” he said. “Obviously, something that’s voted by your peers is pretty special. I just try to show up and be consistent and battle for them every night. As an individual, I’m a terrible player. As a team, everyone on this team makes me better and makes me look a lot better than I am.”
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