Spring might be taking its sweet time in Calgary, but the Flames are heating up with a fresh leadership vibe that’s sparking some serious momentum. With new alternate captains stepping up, there’s a buzz around the rink that’s hard to ignore.
Joel Farabee is one of those fresh faces making waves. The 26-year-old has embraced his role as an alternate captain, debuting his ‘A’ in a post-deadline win over the Hurricanes on March 7, where he racked up three points.
Farabee’s leadership is translating into goals, with three in just four games since taking on the new responsibility. He’s clearly thriving in this role, balancing youthful energy with a touch of veteran savvy.
Reflecting on his journey, Farabee credits his family for shaping his leadership style. “I owe a lot to my older brothers and my dad,” he shared during a recent road trip.
“Being a vocal leader is something I learned from them. Wearing a letter in the NHL is an incredible honor.”
As the Flames gear up to face the Kings, Farabee will reunite with a familiar face from his Philadelphia days, Scott Laughton. Farabee speaks highly of Laughton’s influence, both on and off the ice, noting how he embodied leadership by making younger players feel welcome.
Farabee’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teammates. Morgan Frost, a familiar face from Philadelphia, sees Farabee’s leadership shining through.
“Joel definitely deserves the letter. He’s been leading by example all year,” Frost remarked.
Calgary captain Mikael Backlund echoed these sentiments, praising Farabee’s on-ice contributions and leadership growth. “He plays the game the right way and does the little things right,” Backlund said.
With two more seasons on his contract after this one, Farabee has his sights set on hitting the 20-goal mark for the third time in his career. But it’s not just about the stats. The relationships he’s building and the mentorship he’s providing are setting the tone for the Flames’ future.
Reflecting on the team’s changes, Farabee acknowledges the need for players to step up. “Losing guys like Rasmus Andersson, MacKenzie Weegar, and Nazem Kadri was tough,” he admitted. “But it’s an opportunity for others to rise to the occasion and support the young guys coming up.”
Farabee’s journey is a testament to how leadership and talent can transform a team, and the Flames are better for it.