By Derek Holtom
When the crunch time comes and you need a goal, some players have that innate ability to step up. One of those players is Waywayseecappo Wolverines forward Blake Farthing, now in his second season with the team.
Farthing helped kick off a comeback for the ages for the Wolverines in early October in Swan Valley. Some say the only thing better than a win is a come-from-behind win, and this one was pretty special for the Wolverines.
“I think we have a special group here,” says Farthing, the 19-year-old product of Stonewall. “In the third period we were talking, and we felt we could still win it.
“There was tons of belief on that bench, and we were getting a ton of quality chances – their goalie (Easton Falls) was standing on his head,” he added. “Then the momentum turned. It was a super fun win, and a great team win.”
Farthing says there is a noticeable change in the dressing room for the Wolverines this year. There is a confidence and a belief that they can not only equal last year’s final four appearance, but drive further into the postseason.
“The group we have here is great, and to see what we accomplished last year, now with that extra experience, a lot of us who came back are thinking we can take the next step and make the finals, and maybe win a championship,” said Farthing, a right-shot forward.
Farthing scored eight goals and added 11 assists for 19 points in just 38 games last year for the Wolverines. He describes himself as a player with a bit of everything, ready to step in as the team’s needs require.
“I’d say I’m a pretty hard-working player,” he said. “That was always the thing for me growing up, to work hard, and everything else will fall into place,
“I try to use that to create some chances,” added Farthing. “I do have some skill that I think I can use. And I think I can use that to produce a little more, while also doing important things like playing good defense and blocking shots.”
And, when Farthing isn’t at the rink, he enjoys the outdoors as much as he can, playing other sports in the off season to give him a more rounded athletic background. He also enjoys spending time with his friends and family.
Last week
Monarchs vs. Wolverines.
The Winnipeg Monarchs paid a visit to Waywaysecappo for two games on the weekend. Results were not available at press time.
Wolverines 3, Stampeders 0
Wayway picked up their second straight victory against the Swan Valley Stampeders, shutting them out 3-0 in Swan River last Tuesday night.
It was a bit of a reversal for the two teams, as it was the Stamps who held a 3-0 lead over the Wolverines the week prior. Of course, in that game Wayway rallied late for a 5-3 victory.
On Tuesday, the Wolverines scored a goal a period and kept their hosts off the board all game. Treycen Wuttunee (third) scored the eventual game winner just 54 seconds into the game. The other two goals came from Cale Livingston (second), and Max Collyer (fourth).
Blake Farthing didn’t make it through the first period as he dropped the gloves with Nate Hayes from the Stamps. Hayes was assessed a minor penalty for kneeing, which led to the scrap.
Mariko Bercier earned the shutout with 24 saves. Easton Falls made 30 saves for the Stamps while taking the loss.
Up next
The Wolverines kick off this week on the road tonight (Tuesday) as they face the Neepawa Titans for the first time this season.
The only other game for the Wolverines this week comes Friday night when the Selkirk Steelers pay a visit. Puck drop for this one is 7:30 p.m.
CLAW MARKS – With their win on Tuesday the Wolverines moved into temporary sole possession of first place in the West Division with a record of 5-1-0-1. Mariko Bercier lowered his goals against average to 2.02 with his shutout win Tuesday. He also sports a save percentage of .920. Carter Haney leads the Wolverines with 11 points (four goals, seven assists). Treycen Wuttunee (three goals, seven assists, 10 points), and defenseman Cale Livingston (two goals, six assists, eight points) sit second and third.
