Saginaw gives John McFarland new lease on hockey
By Carl Chimenti –
John McFarland is getting a fresh start.
You know the story – an underachieving player is traded and before you know it he finds his game and becomes the player that everyone thought he should be.
Early in his career, McFarland was touted as possessing once-in-a-generation talent, and he was expected to be on par with the likes of Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, and John Tavares. Yet only good performances in juniors – not extraordinary like what was expected – led to the hockey world labeling him an underachiever.
But since coming to Saginaw, McFarland seems to be moving much closer to realizing the lofty expectations placed upon him at an early age. He gives full credit to the Saginaw Spirit organization for his turnaround.
“I tribute that to coming here to Saginaw and being coached by Todd Watson,” said the Richmond Hill, Ontario native. “If I didn’t come I’m not sure any of this would have happened and Todd’s been a huge part of the reason why I have had success.”
Another reason is Spirit defensemen Ryan O’Connor.
“When I got here I was able to move in with Ryan, who I have known and been best friends for the past eight years,” McFarland said. “We played on the same team for five years and knowing someone here has helped a lot and the rest of the guys have treated me great since I arrived last year.”
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound center potted 19 goals and 28 points in 38 games after Saginaw acquired him from the Sudbury Wolves. Just about a quarter of the way into the 2011-12 season, McFarland has already surpassed his Spirit point total and is less then a handful of goals away from last years totals as well.
The Florida Panthers took a chance and drafted him early in the second round (33rd overall) of the 2010 NHL entry draft, and then proceeded to sign him to an entry level contract this past summer after he attended their rookie camp. Signing his first pro contract and his experience at the camp added to his fast start this season.
“With both of those behind me I am not feeling any more pressure and I can just go on the ice and play hockey,” said McFarland, who is a ‘92 birth year. “At the same time you continue to put the pressure on yourself to be the dominant player and the goal scorer I want to be, but it is nice to have both the draft and the contract behind me. It’s all part of the process in stepping forward and making it to the NHL.”
McFarland has put together an impressive hockey resume since he started to lace the skates, so much so that he made a bold effort to join the Ontario Hockey League at the early age of 15 by petitioning the league to grant him “exceptional player” status.
Prior to joining the OHL, McFarland scored 96 goals and 165 points in just 49 games with the Toronto Junior Canadiens, a Junior A team.
Sudbury drafted him first overall at the 2008 OHL Priority Draft. He scored six goals and five assist in his first 12 games in the league and was named OHL Player of the Month for October.
In three seasons with the Wolves, McFarland totaled 47 goals, 65 assists and 112 points in 134 games. McFarland was named MVP of the 2008 OHL Showcase Tournament. He was selected by his coaches to captain Team Canada at the Ivan Hlinka U-18 tournament, scoring four goals and one assist in six games.
McFarland possesses high-end skill with speed to burn, and had the highlight of his OHL career on Nov. 11 in a game against the Ottawa 67’s, scoring a career-high four goals and one assist for a five-point night. McFarland credited his line after the performance.
“My line has been incredible this year,” McFarland said. “The right side of the line has been a bit unsettled due to injuries and suspensions but the players I have played with there have been getting me the puck on a regular basis. My center, Michael Fine, has been unbelievable and he assisted on all four goals in the game against Ottawa. I think we compliment each other well.”