The Connecticut Whale announced on Thursday that they have re-signed forward Sam Faber for the third season of the National Women’s Hockey League.

“I could not hang up the skates when I heard the Whale were moving back to Stamford, the city where I live,” said Faber. “I am super excited to be back and have my friends and family come watch me play another year. The hiring of [head coach] Ryan Equale also made my decision pretty easy. I have known Ryan for awhile and not only does he know the game of hockey well, but he is a great person and someone I truly look up to. It is time for the Isobel Cup to be in Connecticut.”

In 31 games over her first two seasons with the Whale, she put up six goals and eight assists. While at the University of New Hampshire, Faber scored 77 goals and 112 assists in 143 games over four seasons. She had a points-per-game average of 1.32 during her time with the Wildcats. In her senior season (2007-2008), she scored a record 13 game-winning goals.

The Mount Sinai, New York native helped the United States National Team capture gold at the 2008 World Championship. She began her hockey career and developed into the player she is in now while with the boys’ program at the Suffolk Police Athletic League and at Northwood School, in Lake Placid, New York.

“[Northwood coach] Tom Broderick really challenged me to be the best hockey player and person I could be on and off the ice,” said Faber. “I owe that man a lot of thanks for the career I have had.”  

Faber mentioned that she has been a hockey director and coach on many different levels, both for teams and private lessons. She hopes to be a scout someday and use her skills to help find future talent in the sport.

“Playing professional hockey has been a dream of mine,” said Faber. “The best part about being in the NWHL is seeing the young girls at our games or around rinks in the area realizing they now have something to dream about. It is a very humbling experience and I want to do everything I can to continue to grow the sport that has given me so much in my life.”   

In talking about her career, Faber mentioned that she was grateful to her family and friends. Without their support, she believes that she would not be where she is right now.

“I lost my mom to cancer when I was 19 years old,” said Faber. “Without the support of my friends and family I would not be where I am today. My mom was an amazing woman, the kindest person I have ever known. I want to thank my dad, my brother and the rest of my family and friends for always being there for me. Without you I would not have made it this far in my hockey career.”