Faragher is first Bobcats alum to get call to NHL

April 28, 2015

During his days in the NAHL with the Bismarck Bobcats, goalie Ryan Faragher set no fewer than four all-time franchise records but Sunday he set the most important of all; the Anaheim Ducks called Faragher up to the National Hockey League, making the 2009-11 netminder the first Bobcat alum to ever make it to the NHL.

 

A strong finish with the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals—going 3-2-1 in March with a 1.79 GAA and a .933 SV%—earned the Fort Frances, Ontario, native his first taste of the big leagues.

 

“Being able to get more games down the stretch in Norfolk and working with [goalie coach] Sudarshan Maharaj allowed me to feel more comfortable at the AHL level,” explained Faragher, who signed a contract with the Ducks just over one year ago. “I’m excited now to be in Anaheim to have the opportunity to continue working on my development.”

 

All told, Faragher spent three separate stints in Norfolk—also playing in the ECHL with the Utah Grizzlies—finally sticking with the Admirals following his late-February assignment to Virginia’s Atlantic coast. In 15 appearances he posted a 2.57 GAA and a .901 SV% in AHL play.

 

After sweeping the Winnipeg Jets in the conference quarterfinals, the top-seeded Ducks continue their Stanley Cup Playoff push against the upset-minded Calgary Flames.

 

“It’s an exciting time for the organization,” Faragher noted, “and it’s incredible to be included in the process and learn what it’s like to be a part of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.”

 

With the Bobcats, Faragher won two Central Cups and submitted a shutout on May 9, 2010, to deliver the franchise its first Robertson Cup. He currently sits in the top five for every last Bobcats single-season and all-time franchise goaltending record (wins, saves, GAA, SV%, shutouts and minutes).