Fantilli makes memories for Blue Jackets in NHL debut

During the morning skate, Assistant Mark Recchi had a conversation with Fantilli while they took slow laps on the ice. Recchi asked him about his family attending the game and gave him some advice.

Recchi, being a great resource, has witnessed other high draft picks making their NHL debut, notably his former teammate Sidney Crosby, who was the first overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

So far, Fantilli is off to a good start.

“He just wants to be a player, and that’s something you always appreciate,” Recchi said. “He’s always curious, seeking improvement, and eager to understand the game. It’s exhilarating to coach someone like that.”

Fantilli arrived for the game wearing a stylish gray windowpane suit. As he walked down the blue carpet in the arena plaza, he exchanged high fives with fans cheering on each side.

He completed his rookie lap without a helmet, with his teammates eventually joining him for the warmup. Fans crowded against the glass at the Columbus end, displaying signs, some of them wishing him a happy birthday.

“The first lap was really cool,” Fantilli said. “Once the puck dropped, I settled in and focused on playing hockey. Despite all the distractions, I was just happy to be out there and get my first game under my belt.”

On his first NHL shot, Fantilli managed to earn his first NHL point. He took a shot from the left wing, leading to a rebound that defenseman Jake Bean capitalized on to tie the score at 1-1 in the first period. The crowd erupted and the cannon boomed.

“I just wanted to get the shot off and put it on net,” Fantilli explained. “It might not have been the best shot, but it hit the pad and landed perfectly for ‘Beaner’ to score. I was really happy for him.”

Bally Sports Ohio managed to find Fantilli’s parents in the stands, capturing their overwhelming emotions.

“It’s absolutely incredible, especially being able to witness it here at home in front of these amazing fans,” his dad expressed. “I’m truly speechless.”

“It’s just incredible,” his mom added. “You know what? I said to someone today, ‘Columbus is home.’ We can feel it. We’re incredibly excited that Adam gets to spend his 19th birthday here, and we’re grateful to be a part of this organization and this city. We absolutely love it.”