Giroux sets the example for Farabee, tells him to break his records

The ceremony to celebrate Claude Giroux's 1,000th career game, all in Flyers orange and black, can have an influential importance to his teammates.

As they watch the commemoration of their captain Thursday night, they can see what happens when hard work is done.

The potential is great.

"It's going to be a part of Flyers history," Joel Farabee said Thursday morning. "Just to even be a part of the celebration, having played with him, is something I'll remember for the rest of my life."

The impact of the 34-year-old Giroux's example on a 22-year-old like Farabee is limitless. The youngster has the makings to be a Flyer, and a really good one, for a long time.

Giroux wants that. And sees that.

"It's funny, in the meal room there yesterday, talking to G. And Joel Farabee was there," Flyers interim head coach Mike Yeo said Thursday morning. "In classic G style, he's basically saying, 'This guy's going to break all my records.'"

Among Flyers history, Giroux is second in games played (999), points (900) and assists (609), behind only Hall of Famer and franchise icon Bob Clarke. He made his NHL debut with the Flyers at 20 years old in February 2008, before the Phillies won the World Series that fall.

Giroux doesn't love the attention. He's not one to talk about himself. But his style has spoken loudly. It has rubbed off on guys like Sean Couturier and Scott Laughton.

And Farabee.

"We talked about his humility and what a great teammate he is and pumping up his teammates," Yeo said. "But another good message there is, him and I were also mentioning in front of Joel just how quickly it goes, too."

Farabee, a 2018 first-round pick, blossomed in his sophomore season last year. He led the Flyers in goals with 20 and finished with 38 points through 55 games. During the summer, he inked a six-year, $30 million contract extension, which doesn't kick in until next season. He has talked about hoping to stay in Philadelphia for his whole career.

Giroux has accomplished that for 1,000 games. Time will soon tell where his next chapter unfolds, if it is in fact elsewhere.

"He's given everything he has to this organization," Farabee said. "The least we can do is have this big celebration for him.

"I think a lot of the little things he does just goes undercover. Just how hard he works off the ice and things like that is stuff you try to emulate. But I don't think there's anyone really that could live up to what he's done for this city and this organization."

What did Farabee think of Giroux's prediction?

"I was the first one to disagree with him on that statement," Farabee said with a humble smile.

"Just the way he's handled me as a young guy, he's been so nice to me, led me in so many great directions. I'm forever grateful for him. Whatever happens here in the next few days, I really wish him the best."

All the Flyers will soak in Giroux's ceremony.

"When we're here and playing for this organization or working for this organization, we're a very fortunate group," Yeo said. "And you can never take that for granted.

"Even when times are tough like we've had this year, you have to embrace that and you have to find a way to enjoy it, find a way to give your most. Because it does go quickly."

Subscribe to and rate Flyers Talk

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Art19 | YouTube