High-scoring defenseman Farrance is BU's first 2017 recruit [UPDATE]

Right on the heels of Patrick Harper’s verbal earlier today, BU’s has secured its first recruit for 2017 and it’s one of the most coveted ’99-birth-dates:  David Farrance, a 5-11, left-shot defenseman from the Rochester, N.Y. suburb of Victor, has committed to join BU in three years. OverTheBoards.com had recently designated him as one of the “top uncommitted players in the country” and went on to say:

A prolific-scoring defenseman who played for Syracuse U-16 of the USPHL as well as leading the charge for his hometown’s high school team, Farrance is poised to burst onto the circuit in his recruiting year and will likely be in contact with hockey professionals from the NCAA’s Hockey East, other major conferences, and the OHL throughout this 2014-15 campaign. His offensive prowess manifests itself in Farrance’s speed and natural touch on the puck, as well as a deadly scoring touch that can leave both defender and goaltender scratching their heads in awe. Not only does Farrance eat up unprepared defensemen and spit them out, we hear he does the same to forwards who attempt to burn him and can be extremely vigilant in his own end. Keep an eye on the young offensive star; it’s likely you’ll be hearing his name quite a bit in the coming years.

Following this summer's USA Hockey Select 15 Development Camp, OTB Elite posted:

This class didn’t seem to have one clear-cut star at the offensive defenseman/ fourth-forward role until we caught Farrance play. The USPHL U-16 defensive player of the year is a high-end, high-tempo offensive force who is a threat to break up ice at any time. His cerebral, weaving rushes are as tough to defend as his shot is to track, and his confidence is clearly brim: In New York this week, during the first game, Farrance looked like the most dangerous player on the ice – on the penalty kill.

As a freshman in Western NY high school hockey, Farrance lit up the circuit and set team records with his hometown team (Victor), posting 31 goals and 11 assists in just 17 games. That includes five hat tricks and a game-winner with a second left. If you want a good indicator of how much of a “pass this kid the puck” player Farrance is, his d-partner RJ Miller had a single-season record for assists this year, nearly doubling his point total from the year prior. The OHL and NCAA are both going to be tripping over themselves to lock a commitment down from Farrance.

Considering it seems very likely Farrance is going to be a five-star quality recruit for college hockey and brings puck skill unlike any defensemen in his bracket, don’t be surprised if he moves up to our #1.

Ranked #2 for 2015 OHL draft by TheScout.ca, Farrance is beginning his second season with the USPHL Syracuse Stars U-16's and scored four goals and an assist in the team’s three wins at the Woodchuck Tournament this past weekend. Last year, as a 14 year old, he led the team in scoring with a 20-12-32 scoring line in 28 games and earned USPHL U-16 Defensive Player of the Year honors and was a standout in the league all-star game.

USHR reviewed his performance at last year’s Beantown Fall Classic: 

We also made it over to the Beantown Fall Classic over the weekend, and were able to get a good look at ’99 left-shot defenseman David Farrance, who is playing up with the Syracuse U-16 team. Farrance, who is already 5’11 and 170 lbs., is an exceptional young player, with excellent skating and puck skills. His poise with the puck, for a 14-year-old, is remarkable. Farrance can skate with it, or hold it at the point while waiting for plays to open up. The native of Victor, NY has poise and confidence way beyond his years, as well as a strong sense of the flow of the game. He picks his spots really well. There were college recruiters in attendance at the game in which we saw him play. Let’s just say they were very impressed. Farrance is a player we will be hearing more and more about in the years to come.

And, again, after the league all-star game:

We haven’t seen the Syracuse Nats since the Beantown Fall Classic in late October, and we will say – again, and emphatically -- that LD David Farrance is one special prospect, certainly the best ’99 defenseman we have seen. Farrance, who is 5’11” and 170 lbs., leads his team in scoring and is the top-scoring d-man in the entire league – as a 14-year-old. An extremely smooth skater, Farrance’s passes are tape-to-tape, and his poise is something to behold. He made one home run pass that was perfect. He’ll be eligible for the NHL draft in 2017.

In high school, Farrance followed up his team-leading 42 points with two goals and two assists in playoff games, leading the Blue Devils to the Section 5 Class B Championship game. Those achievements earned him a spot on New York’s Divisions 2 First Team All-state squad. His high school coach, Mike Ferreri, says:

“He’s a great skater, he can make a lot of defenseman look pretty foolish. He’s able to transition well, he can find the net well and he can pick corners very well especially in tight situations. He also knows the game really well; he can see things before they happen.”

Stat of the Day: As a bantam defenseman (!) playing USPHL u16 last year, new BU recruit David Farrance landed 3rd in overall goalscoring.
— Over The Boards (@OTBPuckWatch) September 13, 2014

Huge day for the Terriers on the recruiting trail. New recruit David Farrance has mobility, skill on the blue like few others, at any age.
— Over The Boards (@OTBPuckWatch) September 13, 2014

●   Link to a highlight reel goal by Farrance (#9 in white) last season. Link tweeted by Hockey Prospect.com scout Russ Bitely.
 ● Boston Hockey Blog report