Sophomore Brad Farynuk of Enderby, British Columbia is not really much different than any other Rensselaer student. He is consumed by his work, tries to have a social life, and loves to sleep in on Sunday. But then again there is one major distinction that distinguishes Farynuk from the typical RPI scholar: He also plays Division I hockey.
Farynuk is one of the young defenseman for the Rensselaer men’s hockey team, and he—along with his teammates—has high expectations for himself and the team this season. “I’m looking to chip in more on offense and help improve our power play,” said Farynuk. “Our focus this year will be to improve the whole defensive core and be stronger in our own zone.”
After last year’s surprising upset of Union College in the first round of the ECAC Tournament Farynuk sees no limit to his team’s potential this season.
“We are playing better and have momentum after last year’s playoffs.” remarked Farynuk. “We just need to realize our own potential and play to that level in the games and in practice.”
Farynuk, who has been playing hockey since the early age of four, has always used his distinct knowledge of the game to separate himself from the pack.
“I read the ice well,” admitted a humble Farynuk. “I can really help our team in getting the puck out of our zone and into the offensive end.”
Family friend Jim Faulkner, one of the major inspirations in Farynuk’s life, always reminded Brad to play with his head, “He gave me a lot of advice, but the most important thing he told me was ‘Brad, play smart. That is your best quality.’ It always gives me something to think about before game.”
And Farynuk loves to think to prep himself for an approaching game.
“I like to go into the stands and just visualize the game and how I should react in different situations,” Farynuk said. “It helps me get ready and focused.”
While Faulkner may have greatly impacted Farynuk’s play, Brad never forgets the role his parents had in developing his hockey career.
“Obviously my parents, and my whole family, were really supportive,” said Farynuk. “I think about all the sacrifices they made, in time and money. They have always been there for me.”
Farynuk’s talents however do not end at the hockey rink. He is one of the few members of the men’s hockey team who can truly call themselves Engineers. He is duel majoring in aeronautical and mechanical engineering and is taking 17 credit hours this semester.
“I won’t lie, it is not easy by any means,” said Farynuk in reference to his work load.
“Sometimes it help keep me focused and out of trouble, but there are other times when I feel consumed.” commented Farnyuk. “If I have a lot of work to do or a test I even find myself thinking about it during practice.”
Still, the work load is no deterrent for Farynuk. He is genuinely interested in his chosen fields of study. His favorite class is Fundamentals of Flight, and like many other engineers, he hated both Chemistry of Materials classes.
“I have always been really interested [in] and excelled in the sciences,” said Farynuk. “I like knowing how things work and are developed. I like to think in a different way, in school and in my personal life.”
Although Farynuk is preparing for life after hockey, he is by no means ready to give up the game he loves just yet. Brad, like almost every other Division I college athlete, has aspirations to play professionally.
“I will only be young once,” Farynuk said with a smile. “I have high expectations for myself. I’ll be in good shape and if I can get better I think I can pursue a professional career. The game is so much fun so getting paid to play would be awesome.”
