Joel Farabee

Joel Farabee Bio

Joel Farabee is an American professional ice hockey player who is a left winger for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL). Farabee was drafted in the first round, 14th overall at the 2018 NHL entry draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. Growing up in Cicero, New York, Farabee competed with the Syracuse Nationals, Buffalo Jr Sabres, and Selects Hockey Academy at South Kent School. He joined the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in the United States Hockey League (USHL) before committing to play NCAA Division I ice hockey with the Boston University Terriers men’s ice hockey team. During his time in college, Farabee tied for second in goals and third in points amongst rookies while leading the Terriers in goals, points, power-play goals, shorthanded goals, game-winning goals, plus-minus, and shots. In recognition of his efforts, Farabee received the Tim Taylor Award as college hockey’s Rookie of the Year, Hockey East Rookie of the Year, and was selected for the Hockey East All-Rookie Team.

Early Life and Background

Joel Farabee was born on February 25, 2000, to business owner Dave and nursing supervisor Pam Farabee in Cicero, New York. He credits his older brothers, Jake and Jesse, for inspiring his love of ice hockey, stating, “I always watched them. They were on older teams. They inspired me to want to get to that level.” Farabee also cited his grandfather, Joe Klodzen, as a role model. Klodzen was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball (MLB) but never made the major league roster. Growing up, Farabee was a fan of Philadelphia sports teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, due to his father’s roots in Philadelphia.

Path to Hockey

As a child, Farabee competed with the Syracuse Nationals at the Bell Capital Cup in Ottawa before playing above his age level with the Buffalo Jr Sabres at the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. During the Bell Capital Cup, he led his team with six goals and one power play point. In the ninth grade, Farabee was recruited to play junior hockey at the Selects Hockey Academy at South Kent School, prompting his family to take his future career in hockey seriously. He played on the SASKS U16 National team before joining the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in the USHL. Farabee was chosen to captain the team in his second year, showcasing his competitive all-around game. Initially committed to play NCAA Division I ice hockey with the University of New Hampshire, he later changed his commitment to Boston University in 2015.

Joel Farabee Career

Early Career (2019-2020)

Farabee signed an entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on March 25, 2019, after his freshman season at Boston University. Following a brief stint with the Flyers’ AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, he made his NHL debut on October 21, 2019, against the Vegas Golden Knights, becoming the first Flyers player born in the 2000s. Four days later, he scored his first career NHL point with an assist against the Chicago Blackhawks. His first official goal came in a game against the New Jersey Devils, where he scored after receiving a rebound from Michael Raffl.

Breakthrough (2020-2021)

Farabee’s breakthrough season came during the 2020-21 NHL season. He made his season debut on January 13, 2021, against the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he tied a franchise record for most points in a season-opener by scoring four points in a 6–3 win. Later that month, he achieved his first NHL hat trick in a 4–3 overtime win against the New York Islanders, becoming the second youngest Flyers player to do so during the regular season. Farabee finished the season with a career-high 38 points, earning the Pelle Lindbergh Memorial Trophy as the most improved Flyer as voted by his teammates.

Notable Works and Milestones

Throughout his career, Joel Farabee has established himself as a key player for the Philadelphia Flyers and now the Calgary Flames. He has received accolades such as the Tim Taylor Award and the Pelle Lindbergh Memorial Trophy, highlighting his impact in the league.

Joel Farabee Award Nominations

Joel Farabee has received several nominations throughout his career, recognizing his contributions and performance in the NHL.

Joel Farabee Awards Won

Joel Farabee has won notable awards, including the Tim Taylor Award and the Pelle Lindbergh Memorial Trophy, showcasing his talent and growth as a player.