Fantilli named Clark Cup Playoffs MVP

Adam Fantilli saved his best for last.

Fantilli, 16-years-old and the second-youngest player participating in the United States Hockey League playoffs, scored nine points (eight goals, one assists) for the Chicago Steel en route to being named Clark Cup Playoffs MVP. He scored five points (four goals, one assist) in the Clark Cup Final.

“Fantilli was a force to be reckoned with throughout the USHL playoffs for the Steel en route to being named the playoff MVP,” FCHockey video scout Brandon Holmes said. “Since Fantilli’s days in the prep school ranks for Kimball Union, what has always stood out is his ability as a goal scorer both in transition and during extended periods of offensive zone pressure, particularly while shooting on his off-wing on the right side of the ice.

“Fantilli’s shot release is deceptively quick, often able to release the puck while in stride and can shoot across his body to catch goaltenders off guard, and his ability to anticipate play and get himself into scoring areas was also on display throughout Chicago’s playoff run. ”

Chicago defeated the Fargo Force in four games to earn their second title, and first since 2017.

Fantilli had 36 points (18 goals, 18 assists) in 49 regular-season games this season for Chicago after amassing 36 points (18 goals, 18 assists) in 25 games with Kimball Union Academy in 2019-20.

Fantilli, originally selected with the No. 18 pick in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection by the Saginaw Spirit, is a part of the highly-touted 2023 NHL Draft class also featuring Connor Bedard and Matvei Michkov.

“Fantilli is already on his way to being one of the top players in the USHL, and at this point in time seems like a sure fire top-5 or even top-3 selection in the 2023 draft,” Holmes said. “If over the next couple years he can establish himself more prominently as a center at the junior level while also adding more tricks to his playmaking arsenal, that should only benefit his draft stock moving forward.”