Farrell on Worlds: 'It's an awesome experience'

MONTREAL -- Forward Sean Farrell is having the time of his life. And he's only 20 years old, so the best is yet to come.

The Canadiens' prospect has been rather busy between school and representing the United States internationally at two major events in recent months.
Rest was secondary amid a jam-packed travel schedule to China in February and Finland two-and-a-half weeks ago.
But he wouldn't change a thing.
"I don't mind it at all. It's been a pretty crazy year for me. Being able to go to the Olympics, and being able to come to the World Championships as well as play at Harvard throughout the year was amazing," said Farrell, following Tuesday's preliminary-round finale against Norway. "It's everything I could've hoped for out of this year."
The Hopkinton, MA native enjoyed a standout sophomore season at Harvard, registering 28 points (10 goals, 18 assists) in 24 appearances and leading all NCAA first-year players with 1.17 points per game.
He was also a revelation on the Olympic stage where he led the Americans in scoring with six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in four games.

That experience in Beijing was undoubtedly the perfect primer for Worlds and beyond.
"Just getting to play at that level, there's so much on the line. Playing in those high-stakes games is always great and it makes everyone play a little bit better," mentioned Farrell. "That was my first taste of playing against guys who have been playing professionally and are much older. The Olympics helped me realize that there are some things that I need to work on and change in my game before playing against men. Even here, I'm learning things along the way and just trying to adapt and get better every game."
The former fourth-round pick shared that "there are definitely times where maybe I have to be a little bit more simple and just make some quick plays on the wall" given the speedy nature of the international game, but that comes over time, of course.
"It's about just making sure that I'm alert and always having my head on a swivel," added Farrell. "Kind of looking ahead towards the next play is probably the biggest thing I'm learning."

Nevertheless, head coach David Quinn must be impressed with Farrell's performance thus far.
The youngster was phenomenal in the May 19 game against Great Britain when he recorded two assists, six shots on goal and led all forwards with 19:17 of ice time.
He ended the preliminary round with four points (1 goal, 3 assists) in seven games heading into Thursday's quarterfinal matchup versus Switzerland.
The Swiss present a major challenge after claiming top spot in Group A. The United States placed fourth in Group B.
"We're super excited. It's a clean slate for us," said Farrell. "As a team, we've been improving throughout the tournament and getting closer off the ice, so I'm really excited to see it all come together in a really important game."

Farrell's father, Bill, will be in the Helsinki Ice Hall stands for the pivotal contest.
He made the trip overseas during the group stage to watch the Habs' hopeful in action.
"Any chance we get to spend some time together is a lot of fun, especially this year since I've been so busy. This is a cool time for us. It's been nice to get dinners with him and know that he's here and having a good time. That means a lot to me," noted Farrell. "It's great to come out of the rink and talk to my dad after the games, too, especially since I didn't have that same experience at the Olympics [because of the COVID-19 restrictions]. I wish I could've shared that with my family, but this is a pretty comparable thing."
That's for sure, and he couldn't be happier his country came calling again and extended his season in the process.
There isn't anywhere he'd rather be right now.
"I definitely didn't expect to be going to the Olympics, and then after the season ended at Harvard, I just thought I'd get into summer training and skating, and then fortunately I got a chance to play on this team here," concluded Farrell. "I was really excited to get this opportunity and have the chance to play a little bit more hockey. Any chance you get to play for Team USA, it's an awesome experience."

Cover photo credit: HHOF-IIHF Images