Ottawa 67's Prospect: Robert Farmer

Courtesy of www.prohockeynews.com

With the 44th pick overall in the 2010 CHL Import Draft, the Ottawa 67’s have selected Robert Farmer of the Sheffield Steelers in the EIHL.  Farmer is described as big power forward with a great attitude. 

Earlier this year, Farmer was signed by the Manchester Phoenix of the EPL.  With permission from coach Tony Hand, Farmer traveled to Iowa in the United States to tryout for the Dubuque Fighting Saints, a Tier 1 junior hockey team in the United States Hockey League.

While Farmer did not make the team, Fighting Saints Head Coach, Jim Montgomery, had nothing but good words to say about him.  Montgomery told reporters, “Robert was very good at our camp and progressively got better throughout the week.  He had a goal and two assists in four intra squad games.  He is an outstanding young man who is a team first player with an infectious attitude.  He did not make our team as we can only have a couple of imports but he did impress some NHL scouts that asked me about him.”

In comes the Ottawa 67’s.  Many people might wonder, how in the world did the 67’s think of drafting a player out of the UK has there have been very few in the past?  It was noted that former Ottawa 67’s d-man (1997-2002 season), Jon Zion, told GM Brian Kilrea to take a look at one of his teammates.  This teammate happened to be Robert Farmer of the Sheffield Steelers where Zion had spent a few years playing.

Kilrea saw him during an on-ice workout and was impressed enough with his skating to draft him with their first, and ultimately only, selection in the recent CHL Import Draft.

Here is some information I was able to gather about Farmer’s game a big thanks to the crew at http://fmjblog.blogspot.com/ for some very valuable information…

Born: 21/03/1991 
Birthplace: Nottingham, England
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 195lbs 
Shoots: L 
Position: LW
Previous Clubs: Sheffield Scimitars (EPL), Sheffield Steelers (EIHL)

- power forward 
- well rounded/two way player/can play in many situations 
- room to fill out his 6’3 frame to make the most of his size 
- skates hard/skates well 
- not afraid to deliver hits 
- willing to go into the corners to fight for the puck 
- ability to find space and good scoring opportunities 
- has good composure with the puck 
- some clever passing (which I would only imagine could end up in some bad 
- willing to drop the mitts

I found two fight videos with Farmer, unfortunately, he did not fare well in either fight but still shows his willingness to fight.

February 20, 2010
Robert Farmer vs Tim Cook (Sheffield Steelers vs Belfast Giants) 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnnHHAnk_l8

February 28, 2010
Robert Farmer vs Lee Mitchell (Sheffield Steelers vs Hull Stingrays) 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mncD-wncxNE

I am very intrigued by this pick since it’s not every day you hear of a UK born and bread being drafted into the CHL. I will definitely be following him closely in the upcoming OHL season and will try to get some reports up for him.  Who knows, maybe Farmer could help open doors for more UK born and bread players.

While Farmer is not the first hockey player from the UK to play in the CHL, it is argued that Farmer will be the first player who developed in the UK to suit up in the CHL.

On an ending note, I tweeted early about wondering how many former or current CHLers were born in the UK.  Here is what I found...

Note: there are two former British born players that are Ottawa 67 alumni)

Alan Hepple
1980-81 OHL - Ottawa 67's
1981-82 OHL - Ottawa 67's
1982-83 OHL - Ottawa 67's

Peter Lee
1971–72 OHA - Ottawa 67's
1972–73 OHA - Ottawa 67's
1973–74 OHA - Ottawa
1974–75 OMJHL - Ottawa 67's
1975–76 OMJHL - Ottawa 67's
 
Edgar "Chirp" Brenchley (Coach)
1964-65    St. Catharines Black Hawks   

Byron Dafoe
1988–89 WHL - Portland Winter Hawks
1989–90 WHL - Portland Winter Hawks
1990–91 WHL - Portland Winter Hawks
1990–91 WHL - Prince Albert Raiders

Ken Hodge
1961–62 OHA - St. Catharines Teepees
1962–63 OHA - St. Catharines Black Hawks
1963–64 OHA - St. Catharines Black Hawks
1964–65 OHA - St. Catharines Black Hawks

Gavin Kirk
1969-70 OHA - Toronto Marlboros
1970-71 OHA - Toronto Marlboros
1971-72 WHL - Phoenix Roadrunners

Steve Thomas
1981–82 OHL - Toronto Marlboros
1982–83 OHL - Toronto Marlboros
1983–84 OHL - Toronto Marlboros

Danny Taylor
2003-04 OHL - Guelph Storm
2004-05 OHL - Guelph Storm
2005-06 OHL - Kingston Frontenacs