Former Drumheller Dragons are still turning heads as they continue their hockey careers at the college level.
Berlando, a senior, is co-captain and led the team in points. Faryna, a sophomore led the team in goals this season. In February, both players were named to the All Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) First Team. Both were also named to the All First Team for the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Faryna was the NCHA Player of the Week in mid-January after a seven-point weekend against the University of Wisconsin Stout. His season took off mid-way through the year. He finished with 13 goals and 10 assists.
“Justin has all the tools to be a very good, dominating player in this conference,” head coach Dan Stauber said. “He’s big, he’s versatile, he’s skilled and he’s tough. He brings it all.”
Berlando was an honourable mention for the NCHA team in 2009 and 2010 before being named this season.
“Talon has really stepped up and taken on the role of the team leader,” Stauber said. “He’s vocal, but he works hard and gets it done on the ice, too.”
Talon’s father, Darrell Berlando, is brimming with pride over his son’s accomplishments on and off the ice. Not only is the senior leading the team, he is excelling academically. He is studying business management, and has been on the WIAC Honour Roll for the last two seasons. This year during the first semester, he was on the Dean’s List.
“The school is going good, and so is the hockey,” said Berlando.
Talon is well equipped for the future when he graduates this spring, and Darrell says hockey is still in his plans. He hopes to play professionally.
Darrell said Talon has a former teammate playing in Florida for the Pensacola Ice Flyers, and the two played well together.
“He (his former teammate) would like to see him there,” said Darrell. “Winters in Pensacola don’t sound too bad. He would like to go to Europe, but you pretty well need a year playing in American professional leagues.”
Darrell said Talon’s experience with Dragons in Drumheller helped him continue his career.
He (Talon) owes it all to Lenny (Desmet), Doug Hergenhein and the Dragons organization. If they didn’t come here, he might not have played junior hockey,” said Darrell. “If you don’t get those opportunities, you never have a chance. You still have to prove yourself, but a lot of kids never get the chance.”
