Men's Ice Hockey 6/28/2023 9:40:00 PM

STEEL ALUM ADAM FANTILLI SELECTED #3 OVERALL IN NHL DRAFT

Former Steel forward and Clark Cup MVP selected by Columbus Blue Jackets

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — Former Chicago Steel forward Adam Fantilli was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets with the third overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft Wednesday.

Fantilli joins Steel alumnus Owen Power (#1 overall in 2021 NHL Draft, Buffalo Sabres) as the highest draft picks in the team's 23-year history and the sixth first round selection. Five of those first round selections have come in the last four drafts.

The Nobleton, Ont. native becomes the 47^th player with Steel ties selected in the NHL Draft since the club's inception in 2000-2001.

"We're thrilled for Adam being selected #3 by the Columbus Blue Jackets," said Steel Head Coach and General Manager Mike Garman. "He's highly competitive and always looking for ways to improve his game. He has dynamic skill and speed and a tireless work ethic that will help the Blue Jackets for years to come. In addition to his elite ability, he's a player who looks for every way to get better and he relentlessly works at his craft. With his drive to be the best, he'll be a key component for Columbus and their future.

"We're grateful to Adam and his family for trusting the Steel with his development and are excited to watch his continued success."

Fantilli played two seasons for the Steel (2020-2021 and 2021-2022) and currently ranks ninth in team history with 110 points (55G, 55A) and third all-time in goals (55). In his rookie 2020-2021 season, Fantilli was named to the All-USHL Rookie Second Team and was named Clark Cup Final MVP after recording nine points (8G, 1A) in eight playoff games in helping lead the team to a Clark Cup Championship.

In 2021-2022, Fantilli was named All-USHL First Team, registering 74 points (37G, 37A) in 54 games.

Fantilli recently completed his freshman season at the University of Michigan, winning the 2023 Hobey Baker Memorial Award, given to the top NCAA men's hockey player, becoming the third former Steel player to win the award.

He led all D1 college hockey players in points with 65 as well as points per game (1.83) becoming the third-highest scoring player in the last 20 years, tying for first in goals (30), and finishing fifth in assists (35). With Michigan, Fantilli recorded 19 multi-point games this season.

Earlier this year, Fantilli won a gold medal with Team Canada at both the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship and the IIHF World Championship.

Rounds 2-7 of the 2023 NHL Draft will take place on Thursday, June 29 with several Steel players expected to be selected.

The 2023-2024 Steel schedule was announced earlier this month. Season ticket plans for the 2023-2024 season are on sale now starting at just 5 games for $50. Season ticket plans are built on flexibility as fans have the option of choosing their own games throughout the season with multiple benefits including season ticket gifts and special events.

The Steel will soon announce on sale dates for groups, suites and other premium areas. Single-game tickets will go on sale in August, and a full promotional schedule for the 2023-2024 season will be released prior to single-game tickets being made available for purchase.

For more information, call 855-51-STEEL or visit ChicagoSteelHockeyTeam.com.

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Adam Fantilli 2023

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