Building Blue: Anthony Romani Speaks on Hot Start in Sophomore Season

After a year adjusting to a higher level of hockey, Vancouver Canucks prospect Anthony Romani is thriving early in his sophomore NCAA season.  

Romani had a good summer of training, returning to Michigan State University in July to work with the Spartans’ trainer. After getting his feet wet in NCAA competition last season, Romani dialled in on training specifics and feels much more explosive and powerful as he starts this season.  

The 21-year-old is playing a ton for the top-three-ranked Michigan State Spartans team. Romani is averaging 19:27 of ice time per game, which ranks second among forwards. He is getting power play time, as he did last season, but this season has added minutes on the penalty kill.  

He wants to be a player who can contribute in all situations and did get a small run on the penalty kill at the end of last season. He said he had many conversations with the Spartans’ penalty kill coach over the summer and shared his excitement about being a player who can contribute while shorthanded.  

Romani’s hockey IQ from his power play experience and newfound level of explosiveness help him be a strong contributor on the penalty kill, and these reps will help him develop a new skill that he hopes to bring to pro hockey one day.  

He can also get some shorties on the stat line.

Speaking of the stat line, it is impressive for Romani early in the season.

Romani has four goals and three assists for seven points. He leads the Spartans in goals and points through three games.  

“I want to be a big impact player for our team. I think I can take a step and become one of our top players, help drive us, and be a leader. That’s a goal for myself,” said Romani.  

“We want to win everything this season. We want to win the Big Ten tournament and the NCAA championships. I think our team is capable of doing all that.”

Romani has been averaging over six shots on net per game this season and is looking to keep those numbers up as the season progresses. 

“The best goal scorers in the world are not going to score every shot, but they have to take a lot of shots. I think that’s something that I’m focusing on. I’m making sure I’m getting shots each game and getting in those dangerous areas,” said Romani.  

“The players I’m playing with also really make it easy for me to create those opportunities to get shots. My confidence is good right now, too. I feel confident with my game and my abilities. I want to keep it rolling.”  

Romani and his Spartans are off to a hot start this season and currently rank second in USCHO.com’s rankings. The Spartans are set for a strong season, and Romani wants to be a driving force for Michigan State. His game has grown, and he wants to ride this confidence all the way through his sophomore season as he continues to develop for the next level.