Top Pick Speaks on Flopping Allegations
The last thing young Columbus star Adam Fantilli wants to be known as is a guy who embellishes on the ice, so when he found himself getting called for just that on Thursday night, he made a plea and an explanation.
The game comes at you fast
Early in the second period, in the midst of the speed of play, Dallas defenseman Thomas Hardy's stick came up and near Fantilli's face enough to draw a high sticking penalty.
Out of sheer reaction, the Blue Jackets forward gave enough of a reaction to elicit a follow-up call from the referee for embellishing the high stick.
Following the second period of play, the third overall pick of the 2023 draft spoke with ESPN announcers and explained that he pleaded his case to the referee, explaining that Hunter had not hit him and that his reaction was simply that.
"I tried to be honest because I didn't want to be known as that type of guy."
Speed of game not a concern for Fantilli
The 19-year-old was drafted out of Michigan by Columbus in the first round after a Hobey Baker Award winning season with the Wolverines.
Fantilli has played in all 13 games for the Blue Jackets this season, centering the second line. He has scored two goals and has five assists, while averaging 15:25 of ice time each game, and despite his age, he expressed to ESPN that he is comfortable in playing at the NHL level.
"I do feel like I belong here. I feel like I can play at this pace. I feel like I can do well at this pace."
Source: Referee on a power trip calls a rookie for a penalty after he tells him the truth
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Has Fantilli lived up to the hype so far? | ||
| Yes | 28 | 49.1 % |
| No | 29 | 50.9 % |
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