Hard-working Facey sets next chapter
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In a busy year for Brooke Facey, the Hamiota product suddenly has one less thing to worry about.
The 17-year-old forward has committed to the Dakota College at Bottineau and will be joining the Jacks women’s hockey team next season.
“It took a little weight off my shoulders,” Facey said. “In your Grade 12 year you have a lot going on, so knowing where you’re going to school is really nice.”
Forward Brooke Facey of Hamiota signs her commitment papers to attend Dakota College at Bottineau and play for the Jacks women’s hockey team starting next season. (Submitted)
The right-handed shot, who stands five-foot-two, didn’t even know it was a goal until recently. She approached by the school’s head scout, Neil Franklin of Brandon — via Deloraine and Melita — about her interest in playing post-secondary hockey.
She hadn’t spent much time thinking about playing post-secondary before that conversation.
“I hadn’t even put it in my head that I could,” Facey said. “It was Neil that reached out. I was 15 or 16 and then I realized I could go play hockey somewhere.”
She said that thunderbolt of information was a big moment for her.
“That was amazing,” Facey said. “I love playing hockey, it’s one of my favourite sports. I was pretty excited.”
Franklin said there’s a lot to like about her game.
“Brooke is an extremely hard working forward,” Franklin said. “She has a nose for the net, thus contributes her share of goals. Not a big player, Brooke does not get outworked, brings determination to the game each night and is a great teammate and a well-rounded student with a very positive attitude, and community minded.”
She began skating at three or four and playing hockey at six. She’s usually played forward on the wing.
Facey plays hockey for the Hamiota Huskies this season in the A-level Rural Manitoba Female Hockey League. The Huskies are unbeaten in six games so far, with Facey contributing a goal and four assists.
The team also includes girls from the area that includes Minnedosa, Strathclair and Shoal Lake.
While the five-foot-two Brooke Facey isn’t long on size, the teenager, shown in white waiting for the puck to be dropped, loves hockey and can’t wait to make the jump to the post-secondary ranks next season. (Submitted)
“We’re pretty good,” Facey said. “We can have our moments but I’m really enjoying this year.’
She said her strengths lie in her focus and her ability at the offensive end.
Her cousin Kyle Bochek played at the highest level in her extended family, after he spent parts of two seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants, along with stints in the Manitoba and Saskatchewan junior hockey leagues.
Her father is Greg Facey, a terrific baseball and hockey player who is an outstanding volunteer in his community.
Like mother Wonda too, Brooke is a dedicated volunteer who was working in the canteen at junior varsity boys volleyball provincials prior to taking time to chat.
She said it’s one of many things she’s learned from her parents.
“They’ve been telling me that if you put your mind to it, you’ve got it,” Facey said. “They’ve been lifting me up when I have my bad games and being there for me when I need it.”
The Grade 12 student at Hamiota Collegiate also plays softball, volleyball and basketball. The town, which like Boissevain seems to turn out a never-ending stream of terrific young athletes, is a perfect fit for Facey.
“It’s nice,” Facey said. “If you need tips or help, you can ask another athlete and they usually know what you’re talking about.”
One of those athletes is heading down with her in the fall. Her current teammate and fellow Hamiota product Alyshia McKinnon is also going the Dakota Jacks next season.
They also both know Ffion Devonald of McCreary, who is a freshman at Dakota College at Bottineau this season.
“It feels good that I will know someone down there,” Facey said. “I also have someone down there right now who I know so she’ll hopefully be playing hockey as well.”
Facey didn’t speak to any other schools, and after visiting campus, committed to Dakota College at Bottineau, which has about 1,200 students and is located 175 kilometres straight south of Hamiota.
“It felt like home,” Facey said. “Everyone is there to help you. All the teachers know everyone by name. It’s just really nice there.”
While nine months stand between her and heading south, it’s certainly on her mind. “I’m so excited,” Facey said. “I just can’t wait to see what this next chapter brings for me.”
» pbergson@brandonsun.com