Fantilli: 'Special' to score 1st career hat trick in Toronto
Wednesday was a night to remember for Adam Fantilli.
The Columbus Blue Jackets forward scored his first career hat trick in Toronto against the Maple Leafs. The native of Nobleton, Ontario - located about 40 minutes north of Toronto - had over 80 friends and family in attendance.
"It's so much more special when you get to play in front of that many people you love," Fantilli said postgame before teammate Mathieu Olivier shoved cake in his face.
"It's so much more special when you get to play in front of that many people you love."
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 23, 2025
Adam Fantilli joins @ShawnMcKenzieSN after scoring his first career hat trick in front of 70+ friends and family. pic.twitter.com/YDEcvPhQx9
Fantilli's mom emphatically threw her cap on the ice after his third goal of the game.
Fantilli's mom was the first to throw a hat on the ice 💙 pic.twitter.com/Dm2mNEOSWW
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 23, 2025
Fantilli completed the hat trick with an empty-netter that sealed the Blue Jackets' 5-1 rout of the Maple Leafs.
THE ADAM FANTILLI !!!!
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) January 23, 2025
FIRST CAREER HAT TRICK 🧢🧢🧢@FanaticsBook | #CBJ pic.twitter.com/EQXyKBkga3
His first tally was easily his nicest - a top-corner snipe that beat Dennis Hildeby short side.
Local kid Adam Fantilli scores a shorthanded beauty with his friends and family in attendance! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/fRdoNcRrKI
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 23, 2025
He received a loud applause greeting his guests postgame.
80+ family & friends waiting for the Hat Trick star after the game! pic.twitter.com/6ySDGASXJP
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) January 23, 2025
Fantilli, the 2023 No. 3 pick, is now up to 14 goals and 12 assists through 48 games in his sophomore campaign.