Wild prospect Faber seeks more gold at World Junior Championship
Defenseman had five assists to help United States win 2021 tournament
When the United States held a Zoom call to prepare for the National Junior Evaluation Camp at USA Hockey Arena ahead of the tournament, coach Nate Leaman couldn't help but notice what was hanging on the wall behind Faber.
An American flag.
"He's a kid who wants to play for his country, so we're lucky to have a guy like him," Leaman said.
The 19-year-old defenseman can't get enough of it.
Faber had five assists in seven games to help the United States win the 2021 World Juniors. His gold medal is tucked away in the same room with the flag on the wall at the University of Minnesota, and once in a while, he'll take it out and look at it.
"There's nothing like putting a gold medal around your neck," Faber said. "Obviously, that first year, I was able to do that. Ever since you do it once, all you want to do is do it again."
Faber played one game for the United States at the 2022 world juniors before the tournament was canceled Dec. 29 due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus.
He got to represent his country again at the 2022 Beijing Olympics after the NHL decided not to participate, and he had one assist in four games. Although the United States did not win a medal, the experience was invaluable.
"Playing against those older guys, it really puts it into perspective what it takes to play at that next level," Faber said. "You need to be faster, stronger on pucks. You need to be quicker with your decision-making."
Faber went back to Minnesota and finished his sophomore season with 14 points (two goals, 12 assists) in 32 games. On June 29, he was named a captain for the 2022-23 season.
The same day, the Los Angeles Kings, who selected him in the second round (No. 45) of the 2020 NHL Draft, traded him and a first-round pick (No. 19) in the 2022 NHL Draft to the Minnesota Wild for forward Kevin Fiala.
The Wild are Faber's hometown team.
"It's pretty special, obviously," Faber said. "Nothing but respect for L.A., obviously. They did what was best for them, and they put so much time and effort into me, getting to know me, things like that. But hearing I have the chance to maybe play for the Wild, it's obviously a childhood dream, so pretty crazy. Pretty crazy."
When Faber went to Wild development camp in July, Leaman couldn't help but notice what he wore during an interview.
A USA T-shirt.
Leaman texted Faber right afterward.
Now that the 2022 world juniors have been rescheduled and will start fresh, Faber will be in an even better position to play a big role. NHL Network will air all of the games the United States will play in the preliminary round.
"I think from a leadership standpoint, he's going to make a huge impact," Leaman said. "But on the ice, he's going to be relied on in every situation. Without a doubt. He'll be the leader of our defensive corps."
Faber, listed at 6-foot-1, 194 pounds, has spent time in the weight room trying to get bigger, stronger and faster like most prospects. On the ice, he has focused on skill development individually this offseason.
"Obviously, I kind of take pride in the defensive side of my game, and I'm trying to add the offensive touch with my shot, poise with the puck in the [offensive] zone, things like that," Faber said.
One day, Faber wants to play for the Wild. But first comes at least another season in college and another chance to represent his country. He'd love to bring another medal back to his room at Minnesota, so he can take it out and look at it whenever he wants under that American flag.
"There's a reason these guys are here, because they want to do the same, right?" Faber said at the National Junior Evaluation Camp. "They want it just as bad, and that's pretty special. Wearing that USA jersey, bringing home a gold for the country, it gives you chills thinking about it. It's exciting."
