Shea Weber at Kelowna's Hockey Fest - Photo credit: Peaktography

By Regan Bartel

RocketFAN speaks to former NHL d-man

Shea Weber: Giving back for the love of the game

Aug 28, 2024 | 7:00 AM

Shea Weber isn’t ruling it out. 

No, a comeback bid is not in the cards after sitting out the last three seasons with both knee and foot injuries, but an NHL front-office assignment isn’t out of the question. 

“Not coaching,” he told RocketFAN emphatically. “Maybe the other side of the game. I have some interest in that [management or scouting]. I have enough coaching going on right now, so something different would be good.”  

Just two weeks after blowing out the candles on a cake to celebrate his 39th birthday, Weber is immersed in helping the next generation enjoy the sport at the grassroots level.   

“I find myself busier than when I played,” he said. “I am busy with coaching my son [Beckett]. Being here in Kelowna, there is no better place to be. It is a change of pace and routine, but I can’t complain.” 

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Still earning a paycheck with the Utah Hockey Club this season and next before becoming a UFA in 2025-2026, the hardnosed defender admits not playing competitively is hard. While the mind still says yes to the possibility, the body says no. 

“Absolutely, that is the hardest part of having it to be done,” Weber added while not using the word ‘retirement’. “My body failed me, but at the same time it gave me a lot too. Mentally it was the hardest thing. I think coming out last week and skating with these pro guys makes it harder. Every year you are away from the game, it gets a little bit easier. During the playoffs, and the go-to times it is still hard. It is hard mentally because you still love it so much. Being around the guys makes you miss it more again.” 

Never afraid to clear the front of the net, block a shot or pin an opposing forward hard against the boards, we had to ask if reflecting back, would it have served him better had he played a less aggressive style? 

“I don’t think that was an option to be honest,” Weber said without hesitation. “That was the way I played. I didn’t ever think about tapering it back. I gave everything I had. There are no complaints. I have no regrets. Obviously, the body failed, but at the end of the day hockey gave me a lot and I had a great career.” 

Inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame in Penticton this summer and doing it again this fall when he is welcomed into the NHL Hockey Hall of Fame, Weber’s winter schedule is packed full, especially coaching ten-year-old boys the finer points of the game. 

“We are having fun,” he added. “He [Beckett] is playing multiple sports. He is playing everything he can. That is the fortunate side of being home is I can coach him. I can be around all the kids for all the sports, and be a part of it so I am very fortunate.” 

Eligible for the 2029 WHL Prospects Draft, would Weber like to see his son play major junior hockey, something he did with great success with the Kelowna Rockets in the mid 90s?  

“Honestly, it is up to him,” he said. “We are getting ahead of ourselves, but I had a great experience in the WHL, so if he is fortunate to get that opportunity, I will support him either way. Hey, if its baseball, lacrosse or whatever he wants to do. I would be happy if he made it the WHL way. I have such great memories that I still look back on. The guys that I played with; I still talk too. For him to experience that is what it’s all about.” 

Despite the busy schedule, don’t be surprised to see Weber at a Rockets home game this season.

“The game has changed a lot,” he admitted. “It is such a good game though. I enjoyed watching the team last year, especially the second half of the season and the playoffs.

“It is cool to see the next generation and the kids coming in, and how much speed, skill and talent they have.”