By Warren Kozireski — Dallas, TX –
U.S. National Development Program forward and Cicero native Joel Farabee was projected in most pre-draft rankings to go in the middle of the first round, and that he did—14th overall to Philadelphia.
“It’s just awesome—I really don’t have any words for it right now, but it’s really cool to be a part of such a great organization,” Farabee said in the media room at the 2018 NHL Entry Draft in Dallas.
“I’m not going to lie; coming into the draft I wanted to go 14 to Philly, so I think it’s really cool for that to happen. I really liked their interviews—I talked to them a few times—and my dad (Dave) actually is from Philly, so I grew up watching the Flyers.”
The second of five players drafted in the first round to come through the USNDTP, Farabee is a two-way forward who is committed to play at Boston University this fall.
“Hockey IQ, playmaking ability along with two-way is something I pride myself on. Definitely like scoring goals, but definitely hate getting scored against; it’s kind of my motto.
“I think I’m pretty light (weight) right now, so putting on some weight in college and work on playing down low and I think that will help me.”
The 6’0”, 168 lb. left wing scored 31 goals and 71 points over the 58 games junior schedule and added four goals with four assists in eight game with Team USA at the U-18 world championships this past season.
“Up to this point it’s been pretty stressful and to hear my name called was definitely a relief and I’m really excited. The hard work starts again Monday and hopefully one day I’ll be able to play for this club.”
