North Bay Battalion forward impresses at Team Canada National Junior Team Summer Showcase

Anthony Romani seems to have impressed Team Canada officials at the Team Canada National Junior Team Summer Showcase last week.

Anthony Romani (centre) and his Team White teammates celebrate after his game-tying goal in an inter-squad game at the Team Canada National Junior Team Summer Showcase in Windsor, Ont., on July 30, 2024. (North Bay Battalion/X)

Romani, a North Bay Battalion forward, certainly proved to many that he deserved to be drafted into the NHL during the showcase.

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In 68 games last season, the right winger had a league-leading 58 goals and 53 assists for 111 points and finished second in the OHL scoring race. In his 188 career OHL games, Romani has 89 goals and 79 assists for 168 points. 

“My confidence has grown,” said Romani in an interview with TSN earlier this week.

“I had a little more success this year – a little more ice time so I think that has kind of helped my game throughout the year. Just becoming a better player and getting bigger and stronger.”

An undated photo of Anthony Romani wearing a black North Bay Battalion 2023-2024 season anniversary jersey. (Supplied/North Bay Battalion)

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Romani, who only turned 19 a week before sections were made for the showcase, was one of 39 CHL players – 22 forwards, 13 defencemen and four goaltenders – who were invited to Canada’s National Junior Team Summer Showcase that ran until Aug. 3 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ont. and USA Hockey Arena south of the border in Plymouth, Mich.

The North Bay Battalion star forward impressed early on in the showcase as the right winger scored the game-tying goal Tuesday evening before his Team White eventually edged Team Red 4-3.

Anthony Romani and his Team White teammates celebrate after his game-tying goal in an inter-squad game at the Team Canada National Junior Team Summer Showcase in Windsor, Ont., on July 30, 2024. (TSN)

Romani told TSN that it was an honour to represent his country.

“Just seeing all of the top guys from the country and just being able to compete with them has been great,” he said.

“The practice has been high-paced.”

Anthony Romani interviews with TSN on July 31, 2024 at the Team Canada National Junior Team Summer Showcase in Windsor, Ont. (TSN)

The forward said he was using the opportunity to improve his game.

“Looking at other players around and kinda just seeing things in their game you want to pic up,” said Romani.

“Also learning from the coaches and the mentors we have here.”

He added growing up he looked up to the World Junior players.

“As a kid, I think I watched every World Juniors at Christmas time – its tradition,” Romani said.

“I think it is kind of a dream – if to play in and I think this is just one step closer and it is an honour to be at this camp… Everyone here wants to make a spot on that team.”

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After being overlooked in the 2023 NHL entry draft, Romani was selected in the 6th round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks.

"I think I have just got to prove myself,” said Romani when asked by TSN what being an underdog has for him.

“Going undrafted I have always kind of had that chip on my shoulder since so I think just trying to prove to people what I am capable of doing. I think I have that self-confidence and chip on my shoulder to try to prove to people."

In a statement, Battalion GM John Winstanley said Romani was gaining invaluable experience.

"I think anytime any player can get the opportunity to go to a camp of that magnitude, It’s always going to be an excellent experience," Winstanley said.

"A player like Anthony deserves this opportunity and deserves to be recognized. He has grown so much since he’s been a North Bay Battalion and continues to improve on all aspects of his game, which is so impressive considering he led the league and goals last season."

He said he was impressed by Romani's showing at the camp.

"I think he showed what his strengths are and ultimately with these types of teams it’s going to depend on how you start your season and how you show them you can continue he to grow as a player," Winstanley said.

"I think what’s really exciting from our end is now Anthony has had the experience of a development camp with the Vancouver Canucks, now the experience with team Canada, he can bring those experiences and that leadership back into our dressing room."

Romani said he will spend this summer continuing his conditioning and working on his overall game to get ready to compete at the pro level this season – adding he still hopes to win an OHL championship.

Anthony Romani is a North Bay Batallion forward who wears the team's no. 15 jersey and player right wing. (North Bay Batallion)

With files from TSN reporter Mark Masters