There are some simple words that Tyler Weiss is taking to heart this season from Seth Appert, his head coach on the USA Hockey National Team Development Program Under-18 squad. It’s a simple message, but it’s one that has helped him be successful.

“For me, it’s staying positive and always work hard,” explained Weiss on his coach’s advice. “You cannot take a shift off and you have to keep your head up and keep working hard.”

He is already seeing a big difference on the ice this season from his Under-17 year.

“The biggest difference is my speed. I put a lot of time in the gym this summer and worked on getting bigger and faster. I feel that I am getting up the ice faster this year and I’m feeling way more confident,” Weiss said.

Weiss was willing to put in extra work over the summer to be prepared for his second season, knowing how important it would be for his development.

“I worked out five times a week,” said Weiss, who stands at 5-foot-11. “I went into the gym every day, thinking it was a game. I put in so much effort to get stronger. I feel a lot better. I came in at 140 pounds and now I’m weighing in at 160. I’ve gained 20 pounds. I had to put on muscle as you get pushed off the puck. I wanted to be fast but not get pushed off the puck at the same time.”

Weiss believes his effort is paying off, especially when it comes to USHL games. The team is winning games this season that they couldn’t last year.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” he said. “Last year, I remember coming off the ice always upset that we lost. I really want to beat those guys. It feels so good to get revenge on those teams that pounded us.“

Weiss and his U18 teammates have an added element of difficulty in their schedule, and that is playing against college teams. While a valuable learning experience, these matchups command extra work for Weiss and the rest of the NTDP.

“I know the current guys from last year’s U18 team who are there — Brady Tkachuk, David Farrance and Logan Cockerill. At the [CCM/USA Hockey]All-American Prospects game, I had time to talk to Brady about what it is like his first year and he said it was great. He told me there was no better decision than to go to BU.”

Weiss was honored to earn a spot at the prospects game in Buffalo in late September. He played for Team Chris Chelios, and despite his squad coming up short on the scoreboard, he enjoyed his time immensely.

“It was a great experience,” said Weiss. “All-star games are always fun as you get to play against the best guys. It was cool to play in an NHL rink and to play against the top draft picks and see where you rank against them. It was really competitive and fun.”

Weiss is looking forward to the team’s first international tournament — the Five Nations in Finland, which runs from Nov. 8-12. The round robin event features the Czech Republic, Finland, Switzerland, Sweden and the United States. He understands what the team needs to do to be successful.

“We have to stick to our game plan, playing fast and our coach’s game plan,” he stated. “Our system can beat any team and I think our guys are a special group. I think we can beat anyone if we all chip in and work hard.

“We are looking forward to playing Sweden. We have lost to them twice already in two international tournaments so we haven’t yet beat them. I really want to get revenge on them.”

One thing will never change, and that is how much pride Weiss has in wearing the colors of his country.

“It’s not going to be forever,” he said on wearing the USA jersey. “Every day I feel blessed to be able to put it on. There are men over there fighting for us so we can play hockey. To be able to represent our country, it’s the greatest feeling in the world.”

And those words will always ring true for Weiss.

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.