Blue Jackets' Adam Fantilli issues eye-opening statement on Bedard

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Sam Walker
May 3, 2024 (12:22)

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Team Canada's roster for the upcoming World Championship is embracing youth once again, with several promising young talents set to represent the country on the international stage.

Among them is 19-year-old Adam Fantilli, who joins the likes of Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini on the squad heading to Czechia for the tournament from May 10 to 26, but that does not push aside the veterans representing Team Canada like Sidney Crosby, Jordan Eberle and also other popular Canadian-born names.

But those other notable names didn't persuade Fantilli to joining Team Canada, it was Connor Bedard:

«I don't know who's even on the whole team,» said Fantilli. «I know 'Bedard is going over there, so it should be fun. We talked a lot this year. It was great to see how he was doing this year. He had a great year.»

Fantilli is eager to make the most of this opportunity, especially after a challenging season that saw him sidelined with a calf injury sustained during a game in January.

''I only played 49 games this year," Fantilli shared in a phone interview with The Hockey News before departing for Europe. "I have to get my game going. That's my concern. There was a lot going on," he reflected. "I was really happy with how much I was able to learn and how much I was able to play. It was an eye-opening experience. There's stuff you can't teach yourself. It helped me get better as a player.''

As Fantilli and his teammates prepare to represent Canada on the world stage, they carry the hopes and expectations of a nation eager for success.

Source: TheHockeyNews
Fantilli Joins Bedard on Team Canada at the World Championship: 'I Have to Get My Game Going'