Brunet and Farinacci Set for NHL Debuts in Boston Finale

BOSTON – Frederic Brunet and John Farinacci are set to make their NHL debuts on Tuesday night as the Boston Bruins face the New Jersey Devils in the season finale at TD Garden. The Providence Bruins duo has been called up on an emergency basis, marking a significant milestone in their hockey careers.

Brunet, a 21-year-old defenseman, has closely monitored his Providence teammates who have recently joined Boston, fueling his anticipation for a potential call-up. “When I saw all my buddies that are the same age as me go up, I felt like I needed to bring my A-game every day at the rink in Providence,” Brunet said. “Seeing those guys made me think it could happen this year.”

The call finally came this past Sunday, and Brunet expressed excitement about stepping onto the NHL stage. “Getting the first call is a great story to tell later,” he said. “I worked hard for it. It’s just a great feeling to get that call.” This season, Brunet has tallied 24 points (5 goals, 19 assists) over 68 games.

While Brunet focused on delivering a well-rounded game in the AHL, the coaching staff emphasized improving his defensive skills. “My defensive part of the game is really what I’ve been working on,” he added. “I think I’m ready to go.”

Farinacci, a 24-year-old forward, has spent two seasons developing with the Providence Bruins after signing a two-year, entry-level contract with Boston in August 2023. The New Jersey native, who previously played at Harvard University, shared his excitement ahead of his debut. “It’s a dream come true,” Farinacci said. “I’ve got a lot of family coming in, and it will be good to celebrate with them because they’re the ones that got me here at the end of the day.”

During this season, Farinacci has recorded 37 points (9 goals, 28 assists) in 57 games. He reflected on the progress he’s made since joining the AHL. “I think my hockey IQ is in a really good place,” he stated. “I’ve been trying to pick up the pace since coming out of Harvard.”

The Bruins enter the game against the Devils with a record of 33-39-9, having recently secured a victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Although Boston has already missed the playoffs, they look to finish strongly and demonstrate the abilities of their younger players.

As Brunet and Farinacci prepare to take the ice, head coach Joe Sacco expressed confidence in their readiness. “We’re excited to see what they can bring, especially in a game that doesn’t have playoff implications for us,” he said. “It’s all about their growth and development.”

The Devils, with a record of 41-32-7, are already playoff-bound and will be looking to build momentum as they approach the postseason. With both teams eager for success, the matchup at TD Garden promises to be a compelling end to the regular season.