Shift disturber Fantillo wins over Blades fans with high-energy play
Caleb Fantillo is the official mixologist for the Saskatoon Blades.
Nobody can stir things up on the ice for the Blades like Fantillo. He’s a fan favourite for a reason.
“I like getting under the skin of other teams,” said the pesky five-foot-10, 183-pound winger, who will be in the lineup when the Blades return to action Friday (7:05 p.m.) against the Brandon Wheat Kings at SaskTel Centre.
“I’ve always kind of played (that role) my whole life, so it’s always a lot of fun.”
Fantillo is a super pest and sparkplug. He’s a relentless worker who is popular with both his teammates and coaches.
“He’s certainly got really good character,” Blades head coach Dean Brockman said of Fantillo, a native of Coquitlam, B.C.
“He wants to win. He wants to succeed. He keeps working on his game. He’s just one of those team guys who always puts the team first.
“He’s a guy you can build your culture around because it doesn’t matter where you put him in the lineup. He doesn’t complain. He wants the team to succeed.”
The Blades recently welcomed Fantillo back after he missed seven straight games with a rib injury.
“He understands the game really well, actually,” said Brockman.
“He knows (where to be) on the ice, he knows who to give it to and he knows who he’s playing with.”
Brockman added that Fantillo is usually working hard and in the mix of things as far as being involved, trying to draw penalties.
“There’s a fine line with him. At the beginning of the year, he probably took too many (penalties), but he’s really found his game. He’s an easy player to play with because you just know where he’s going to be. He’s a really good kid.”
Fantillo, who was sidelined for three weeks, has three goals in five games since his return. The Blades earned points in three of the five games.
“Being back with the team and around the guys every day is a lot of fun and I missed it,” said Fantillo, whose six goals in 16 games equals a career high.
Fantillo ranks No. 4 in goals for the Blades, tied with Libor Hajek and Chase Wouters, behind only Cameron Hebig, Braylon Shmyr and Josh Paterson.
“I’ve just been a lot more confident with myself and my puck abilities,” said Fantillo.
“I’m shooting a lot more. Also a big help are my teammates, Shmyrsy (Braylon Shymr) and Heebs (Cam Hebig). They can find me when no one else can. They’re really skilled guys to play with and a lot of fun.”
Last season, Fantillo had five goals and four assists for nine points in 50 games after being acquired from the Medicine Hat Tigers.
The Blades’ Fan Choice award was bestowed upon him.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all, but it was a nice little gesture,” said Fantillo. “Hopefully I can make the fans proud again this year.”
The Blades — who suffered two tough losses this week in overtime and an overtime shootout to topranked CHL teams in the Moose Jaw Warriors and Swift Current Broncos — play one last game at home on Friday before embarking on a West Coast trip through the United States and British Columbia.
“We’re going to come out strong and put our best game forward,” said Fantillo.
Of course, leaving with a win is preferable.
“That’s a tough stretch (five games in 11 days) against good teams down there,” said Brockman. “The bus ride is a lot shorter if you can win the game.”