John Farinacci was a third-round draft pick of the Arizona Coyotes in 2019 and was coming from a hockey family. His uncle Ted Donato played for the Boston Bruins and was Farinacci’s coach at Harvard University, and his cousin Ryan is currently a forward on the Chicago Blackhawks. Hockey is in Farinacci’s blood, and his promising career is growing by the day.
Currently, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound forward is playing with the Providence Bruins and is making the most of his opportunity after signing with the Bruins on August 16, 2023, after his draft rights expired as a member of the Coyotes. The Red Bank, New Jersey native saw an opportunity to come back to the Northeast and signed a $910,000 contract for two years, giving him an opportunity to join an organization that is looking for young center depth.
Farinacci joined Providence out of training camp and has gotten off to a terrific start with four goals and four assists in 10 games with a plus-9 rating, which is tied for second in the American Hockey League. The 22-year-old plays a smart game with a quick release that has been displayed this season. After three seasons at Harvard, the former captain of the Crimson has almost matched his goal total from last season and is showing more offense than expected.
Farinacci had a decent camp but has found his groove in Providence. In a 5-4 loss to Cleveland, Farinacci scored a shorthanded goal that briefly gave Providence the lead. The versatile forward has been playing with veteran Anthony Richard and top Bruins prospect Fabian Lysell, who has caught fire lately. It has been a great start to the season for John Farinacci, who could be an option for a call-up during the season in Boston if need be.
