Former ‘Q’ Goaltender Makes Comeback Bid

Rick Stephens

14 years ago

BROSSARD, QC. — According to our sources, it is rumored that former MBB Brossard goaltender Steve Farnham is breaking his retirement and considering a return to hockey. Farnham was drafted in the ninth round, 227th overall in the 1997 QMJHL draft by the Rimouski Oceanic. Dallas Stars forward Brad Richards, taken a few rounds earlier in the same draft by the Oceanic with the seventh pick overall, responded with a curt “Who?” when asked for comment on the comeback news.

Farnham’s playing career was cut short by a locker room brawl with fellow Oceanic goaltender Philippe Sauvé. The scuffle began when Farnham expressed his distain for the Montreal Canadiens, particularly Patrick Roy. Other team members joined in when Farnham revealed that he idolized Bruins forward Cam Neely and patterned his game after goalie Andy Moog.

Farnham departed the team for a career in the communications industry and, not coincidentally, the Oceanic went on to win the QMJHL championship in the 1999-00 season and the Memorial Cup that same year.

Farnham resurfaced in the hockey world as owner of the blog “The Bad Hab-it.” Billed as “All the news you don’t need to know”, Farnham made his mark with a piece titled “Are the Habs Really Smurfs?” This drew the attention and the ire of Montreal sports reporter Arpon Basu, who didn’t hesitate to enforce his trademark rights to the name “Hab-it.” The legal proceedings left Farnham despondent, and after a brief run with his new ill-named blog “The Bad Hockey,” he set down his writing pen.

In a charitable move, Farnham was invited to join the writing staff of All Habs Hockey Magazine. With the guidance and support of his fellow contributors, Farnham began writing again starting with the “All Habs Crossword Puzzle.” Given the boost to his confidence, he became increasingly more creative, authoring such pieces as “Carey Price vs Tuuka Rask“, “Carey Price vs Tuuka Rask — Part II” and wildly popular “Carey Price vs Carey Price.”

Farnham will continue his contributions to All Habs as he begins an intensive fitness regime to return to game shape. He has reportedly quit smoking, is on a strict diet and has engaged the services of a motivational therapist from Toronto. On the conditioning front, Farnham was recently spotted jogging down Taschereau Boulevard with his two cats.

For Farnham’s fans wishing to show their support, a signing event is in the works. Details will be announced soon at HabsTweetup.com

The team at All Habs wishes Steve well with his comeback bid and we send Happy April 1 greetings to all of our readers.

(Farnham hockey card by Pablo Ortiz)