Weight Makes Tavares Feel at Home

Doug Weight, his wife Allison and their three children live on the North Shore of Long Island. For the next month or so, the NHL veteran and his family will be joined in their house by a teenager: 2009 first overall pick John Tavares.

"They've made me feel right at home," said Tavares. "Some home-cooked meals, a nice family to be with. It really was a kind gesture by Doug and his wife."

Weight roomed with Tavares when the Islanders spent the first 10 days of training camp in Saskatoon. The 38-year-old Weight and 19-year-old Tavares struck a friendship almost immediately. When Weight heard that his young teammate was delayed from moving into the place he rented, he got the green light from Allison and extended the invitation.

The veteran center also remembered the leadership he received as a young player with the Oilers. This was a chance to pay it forward.

"Kelly Buchberger and his family took me into their home in Edmonton when I started there," said Weight. "Their kindness had a big impact on me and helped me with being able to focus on the game. Kelly was so good to me, I stayed the entire season. Every month I'd tell him, 'No really, I'm looking for a place. I'll be out of here any day now.' The truth was, I didn't want to go anywhere else."

Weight was very happy when Tavares accepted his offer. "You never know how a young man like John is going to react," said Weight. "I didn't want him to move in just because he thought it might hurt our feelings if he said no. But when I asked him at the end of camp in Saskatoon, he was genuinely excited about it. I don't think he wanted to stay in a hotel during his first month in the NHL. He was so appreciative. That made me feel good."

So on Thursday night, the teammates picked up Weight's children at their after-school activities and went home to grill some steaks. "A night like that, just relaxing with friends and having a great meal, I can't thank Doug and his family enough," said Tavares. Said Weight, "John's a big part of our franchise, but he's just a terrific, humble kid. Allison and I want him to feel comfortable. And besides, my kids love having John around."

Hmmm ... is it possible the cagey veteran has an ulterior motive?

"Well," said Weight with a laugh, "John doesn't know this yet, but he's going to be doing some babysitting. There's also a lot of youth hockey and soccer practices he'll need to be at."

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

9-25-2009 @ 5:12PM

JD said...

great read, thanks Chris!

9-25-2009 @ 5:18PM

Tony F. said...

Great article, hopefully Weight can keep it in perspective when things get tough for John. Thanks Chris

9-25-2009 @ 5:55PM

ANGELO said...

This what's amazing about hockey… never hear this from other sports. I bet JT's mom probably likes the idea of him stating there until he gets his feet wet

9-25-2009 @ 8:30PM

PotvinRocks said...

This is a real classy move by Weight, I mean think about have to be self reliant at 19 in a town far away from mom and dad. It is a great thing that a lot of hockey players do in the NHL. When have you ever heard this happening in MLB, NBA or NFL?

9-25-2009 @ 6:11PM

lankyleo45 said...

nice peek behind the proverbial 'curtain'
::thumbsup::

9-25-2009 @ 6:54PM

NYIslander said...

great story CB. my brother plays on doug weights sons team and hopefully i will be able to meet john tavares. that would be great

9-25-2009 @ 6:55PM

IslesPassionKO21 said...

Ive said it so many times on Pointblank...Doug Weight is the classiest and most positive minded player Ive ever witnessed...This is just enforcing that sentiment...

Doug Weight for captain!!

9-25-2009 @ 7:12PM

Brian said...

Great read CB, sounds like Weight is a great guy.

9-25-2009 @ 7:34PM

Jah Love said...

Great news! POSITIVE! Let's Go ISLANDERS!

9-25-2009 @ 8:34PM

msld70 said...

Thanks for the great read, Chris. Does John want to babysit for my two-year old daughter? :)

9-25-2009 @ 8:56PM

mogul1010 said...

Weight is all class. Great guy for the sport. Streit should still be the captain though!

9-25-2009 @ 10:15PM

art said...

I think Weight will also be very helpful at game time, not only on the ice but sitting next to Tavares and criticing his previous couple of minutes on the ice. That kind of commenting right after a line change is the best kind of teaching.

9-25-2009 @ 10:16PM

cannoli88 said...

Great story, though NHL.com on Wednesday had story with JT saying he would be living with Weight for a while. You had far more detail, though.

9-25-2009 @ 10:39PM

isles316 said...

Doug Weight seems like class all the way. I'm glad the Islanders re-signed him. It's only good for the younger players.

9-25-2009 @ 11:11PM

Dee said...

and here I thought he'd be babysitting for Snow.

9-25-2009 @ 11:14PM

Ry said...

Good story.. Hopefully JT can pop in a couple goals for us.

9-26-2009 @ 11:28AM

Lawrence said...

Well," said Weight with a laugh, "John doesn't know this yet, but he's going to be doing some babysitting. There's also a lot of youth hockey and soccer practices he'll need to be at."

This has to be the quote of the year. Thanks CB.

9-26-2009 @ 11:41AM

ChrisTMC said...

What a great story. Honestly, Doug Weight is a quality character, I am really proud he is an Islander. I hope he has another good year for the Isles and that his attitude rubs off on all the Isles young players.