Flames’ Ferland finds comfort in family
Brynlee Ferland is at an age where she understands what her dad does for a living.
But, while her dad, Micheal Ferland, plays for the Calgary Flames and is one of the top-10 goal scorers in the best hockey league in the world, the toddler is fairly confident every player she sees on the big screen is him.
“She watches all the games at home and points at the TV. I think when she sees any hockey player, she says ‘Daddy,’” Ferland said with a chuckle, relaxing before Friday’s game at BB&T Center in Florida. “It’s pretty funny.”
This season is shaping up to be a career campaign for the 25-yearold Swan River, Man. native.
For most of the last two seasons, Ferland has played on the team’s top line with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan.
Gaudreau, a four-time NHL allstar, was sitting seventh in NHL scoring with 51 points in 43 games before Friday’s action while Monahan was sitting ahead of Ferland at No. 9 in goals scored with 20.
Ferland’s 19 goals and nine assists in 42 games is, by far, his best statistical season with the Flames.
Not surprising, according to Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan.
“When I saw his shot a year ago, and we put him with Johnny and Monny and saw his ability to make plays, I did tell him at the end of the year that scoring 20-plus goals is a reality,” Gulutzan said.
“I’ve seen players who didn’t quite have some of the talent that he has score 20.”
The Flames were looking to extend their five-game winning streak Friday and have one more stop on this four-game road trip (Sunday at Carolina). The road trip will keep Ferland away from his family for a week.
But while Brynlee is able to watch her dad on TV (she thinks, anyway), they stay connected through the magic of FaceTime — “Five times a day,” he estimates.
“I just love to watch her grow,” Ferland said. “And she’s definitely changed me a lot. If you have a tough time at the rink, you can go home and hang out with her. I’ve realized that hockey is my job and I’ve put that much more into it so I can take care of her.”