ON MAY 3, NEARLY four months after his calf was lacerated by a skate blade, Adam Fantilli finally got some good news when he was officially named to Canada’s roster for the World Championship. A week later, however, after flying from Columbus to Czechia, he was dropped from the team to make room for some last-minute additions from NHL teams.
For the 19-year-old, it was nothing new.
Though Fantilli was the No. 3 overall pick in 2023, the highly touted center spent most of the season watching from either the bench or the press box as the Blue Jackets leaned on more experienced players. Call it a learning experience, if you want. But for Fantilli, it has made him even hungrier for what he hopes is a breakout year next season. “I…
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The Hockey News (Digital) - 1 Issue, Champions Issue 2024