Thinking about how much of Will's agency has been seized by others.
β When he started hockey as a kid, players could choose their own number. In an interview, though, his dad said, "I'm like, 'you know what? The best player I ever saw at BC was Brian Leetch. So let's go with number 2.'"
Leetch was someone Bill had known in college. Will scrambled for some ownership in the decision, stating, "Besides that, I liked number 2. It's kind of a QB number." (The number 2 in hockey has traditionally been assigned to defensemen Will is the only forward of the 8 Sharks that have sported it)
When asked for Rookie Showcase in 2024 which hockey card he'd love to pull, Will named Brian Leetch, a player he respects out of his dad's lore rather than his own extensive hockey knowledge.
β Though Will later comes to be known as the bubbly, outgoing social kid of the Sharks locker room, he is described on a couple occasions during his time in the USNTDP as quiet and keeping to himself. A strict program that preaches group over individuality, the USNTDP is credited by Bill as turning the kid he sent off into a man. But for someone like Will, brimming with outside interests and passions, one has to wonder what he sacrificed to twist himself into their hockey bot mold, if only during the grueling hours spent on ice and in training. And not only to fit into their mold, but to excel at it. To become one of the highest scorers in program history.
β Will famously committed and decommitted to Northeastern University before punching his ticket to Boston College. Speaking of this in an interview, he said, βI canβt wait to play for BC. I have pictures of me in a BC jersey when I was about 3 years old. I always looked up to my grandfather and my dad, who both went there. I made a promise to my grandfather when he was passing away that I was going to go there, so I want to follow in his footsteps and make him proud.β
Will committed to Northeastern in April 2019. His grandfather died in January 2021; Will then posted his commitment to Boston College in November that same year.
β Will was brought up Catholic and the weight of it hangs heavy on his chest, a new pendant added every few years like a silent admonishment.
β Sometimes, the ability to choose is a complicated thing. Will was drafted by the Sharks, anticipating to become the future 1C for organization. Enter Macklin Celebrini, the number 1 draft pick the following year and undisputed rightful heir to Will's presumed position. A shift to 2C was expected for Will, but despite being a lifelong center, he struggled. He struggled hard. Still, Mike Grier stated they anticipated him to start the 25-26 season in this position. When season rolled around, however, that was not the case.
He was on the wing. Mack's wing. Was this an overarching choice pressured by the Sharks? Maybe. But it was good. And Will looked happy.
Comparing these interviews one year apart, you can tell the shift in Will's attitude regarding the change.
In the 4/17/25 interview, Will is on edge when asked about if he'll be playing center or wing going forth.
In the 4/18/26 interview, however, he embraces his new position, smiling as he says, "Playing with Mack has been pretty special."
This viewpoint is further illustrated in his Bronco ad this summer, where he stated with a smile he plays right wing.
Though Will was dealt some adverse circumstances, he made the choice to find the positive in the outcome. To embrace it. To find a way to own it, anchoring Mack as his center, his guy, and deciding what it means to be a wing both beside him and on his own.
