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13 MHJ // You're one of the better skating defenders out there. Do you have any advice for young hockey players? Faber // I never had a skating coach growing up but I honestly think a lot of it has to do with playing other sports. Working on your footwork, foot speed, agility, and athleticism will help. I think those are made through playing a bunch of different sports. Be an athlete, rather than just a hockey player. MHJ // Any tips on handling pressure in big moments? Faber // Just relax and stay focused. It always helps in big moments to focus on the team's success rather than your own success. But also enjoy it, have fun with it, and enjoy the moment. Those are moments you dreamed of as a kid, so sit back, relax, and take it all in. MHJ // Growing up, was there a player you modeled your game after? Faber // Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins) for sure. He's a little more offensive than me but we play a similar style of hockey. Watching games and watching McAvoy play has helped me a lot. It is important to find someone you want to play like and model your game after and McAvoy was the guy for me. MHJ // Which coach has influenced you the most? Faber // Curtis Janicke for sure. He has been a life- long coach for me. Curtis coached me my first year of hockey up to Peewees. He is one of the guys who's taught me most about this game, about work ethic and unselfishness. He taught that to all of us at a young age, and I think that's why we were so successful as a program growing up. NIGHT AFTER NIGHT, Brock Faber is tasked with shutting down opposing teams' top scorers. The Gophers' sophomore defenseman and two- time World Juniors selection shared some of his fondest memories of youth hockey, skating tips, playing under pressure and more. MHJ // What are some of your best memories playing for Maple Grove? Brock Faber // The one memory that sticks out the most is taking bus trips to out-of-town tournaments. I had tournaments in Roseau for two years of Squirts, two years of Peewees, and two years of Bantams. That was a lot of fun. They were the first real bus rides as a young hockey player and provided us a chance to bond as a team. MHJ // Do you still talk to some of those guys you played with today? Faber // Oh, yeah, of course. Cal Thomas was on my team growing up my whole life and actually just committed to Minnesota. Then Connor Kelly and Justin Janicke. I'm pretty close with a lot of the guys that I grew up playing with. I still call them brothers, the connection we had and how long we played for, our bond was pretty special. MHJ // Who was your big- gest mentor growing up? Faber // I'd say my dad. He taught me work ethic, drive, character, and unselfishness before I ever played hockey. He's always gonna push me to be a better person over a better hockey player. He's changed who I am for sure. Photos / Gopher Athletics, Kyle Huson/USA Hockey J A N / F E B 2 0 2 2 | M H J ON L I N E . C O M D POSITION: THE FABER FILE COLLEGE: University of Minnesota HOMETOWN: FUN FACT: Faber helped Osseo-Maple Grove win the Bantam AA Minnesota Hockey State Tournament in 2018. Maple Grove S H O O T S : R i g h t HEIGHT: 6' 1" BROCK'S WORLD Brock Faber has a history of winning with the Red, White and Blue. 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship (Gold) 2020 Under-18 Five Nations (2nd place) 2019 Under-18 Five Nations (1st place) 2018 Under-17 Five Nations (3rd place) 2018 Under-17 Four Nations (2nd Place) 2018 World Under-17 Challenge (7th Place)