This week’s installment of “The Journey” takes an in-depth look at Los Angeles Kings prospect Jordan Weal.

Jordan Weal was drafted 79th overall at the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft and made an immediate impact in the league as a 16-year-old rookie, on route to being named a finalist for the 2009 WHL Rookie of the Year award. He was a member of the gold medal winning entry for Team Canada at the 2009 Under-18 Ivan Hlinka Tournament and chosen to play for his country again during the 2010 Under-18 World Junior Championship. The following season was Weal's draft year where he made quite the offensive splash. Weal would end up one of only three players available at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft (the other two being Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin, who of course ended up being drafted 1st and 2nd overall, respectively) coming off of 100+ point seasons.

The Los Angeles Kings decided to take a chance on Weal at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and selected him in the 3rd round, 70th overall. NHL Central Scouting Service listed Jordan Weal at 5'10" and 162 lbs. for the draft. Many NHL teams are reluctant to select small framed players unless it’s in the later rounds of the draft. While the stigma won’t change anytime soon, there are numerous players over the years who proved to be an exception to the rule. Thanks to the right training, development and attitude, Weal looks to be on track to be one of those players that defies the odds.