MELFORT — The Melfort Mustangs feel that no matter who is guarding the crease on any given night, their goaltender will give them a chance to win.
For the second straight season, Joel Favreau and James Venne have formed a formidable goaltending tandem. Both were ranked among the top seven in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in goals against average and save percentage, as of Feb. 7.
Both netminders are enjoying this winter playing for the ‘Stangs. Venne said this season’s team is the tightest he has been a part of and, when asked separately about the campaign, Favreau echoed his teammate’s comments.
“So far this year the thing I’ve enjoyed most has probably been how great of a group of guys we have in the room and how close everyone is,” he said.
Joel Favreau
The 6-foot-1, 183-pound Favreau is sixth in the SJHL in save percentage at .913 and fifth in GAA at 2.61. The Prince Albert product has a 9-5-4-1 record this season.
“Joel is not only an unreal goalie but an unreal teammate and person off the ice,” Venne said. “He’s always encouraging, and we constantly push each other to get better in practices.”
It is the 20-year-old Favreau’s third and final season with the Mustangs. He said he will remember the many life lessons he has learned through junior hockey.
“I’ve faced a fair amount of adversity on the ice, and it’s really tested me as a goalie and as a person and I believe that’s something that will help me in my future endeavours,” Favreau said. “Most of all though, I think I’ll remember all the friends and relationships I’ve made along the way whether that be with my teammates, coaches, staff or my amazing billet family.”
Favreau plans on studying and playing at the post-secondary level next season. His goal is to play professionally. In regard to school, Favreau would like to study psychology.
“I really enjoy learning about the workings of the mind and why people act certain ways and are so unique in that capacity,” he said.
James Venne
The 19-year-old, 2004-born Venne is sixth in the league with a 2.72 GAA. He is seventh in save percentage at .912. The 6-fooot-2, 175-pounder from Saskatoon has a 14-8-1-1 record.
“James has a really contagious energy about him and always brings a positive attitude to the rink,” Favreau said. “He’s a great guy to have a conversation with, a great teammate, and also a great goaltender. I really enjoy having him as goalie partner.”
Venne said he has loved being a goalie ever since he was four years old playing ministicks in the basement.
“I don’t know what about it makes it so fun to me, but the pressure of knowing you’re the last line and always needing to be mentally into the game just makes me constantly enjoy it,” he said.
