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Medicine Hat Tigers

Fantillo Among Tigers with Large BC Support

January 21, 2016 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Medicine Hat Tigers News Release


Medicine Hat, AB - Being a rookie in the Western Hockey League is never easy and for Coquitlam, BC native Caleb Fantillo the transition has been easier because of the support of his large family.

With the Tigers currently on their BC West Coast road trip for the final time this season, Fantillo knows that the support he receives on the road is much appreciated, "Having my family support me on the road means a lot to me," said Fantillo from Vancouver, "Having them spend the money to come out and watch me play is something special, especially playing on the large scale we do, it's like a smaller version of the NHL."

Tiger fans can see the Fantillo family in attendance, especially the previous road trip to Vancouver when multiple relatives created signs for #23, something Fantillo will always remember, "You see fans at the NHL level with signs for their favorite players and I know it's just my family but skating around in warm up seeing those signs, means a lot to me and they are quite funny actually."

Moving away from home at the age of 17 is a tough feat for any kid, leaving home, changing schools and meeting new people is intimidating. Fantillo made the adjustment this season and learned how to become a mature adult very quickly. "It's a life changing experience, but my family helped me get to where I am now. They taught me how to stay mature and respectful, it's a different atmosphere, you're in someone else's house, you just have to grow up real fast."

Fantillo is coming off a fantastic season in midget hockey, when he recorded 61 points in 38 games for the Vancouver NE Chiefs. Fantillo even joined the Tigers for their BC road trip last season, not dressing but experiencing the environment and what it takes to be a Tiger.

Caleb has had a solid rookie season playing alongside fellow rookie Tyler Preziuso on the Tabbies third line. Injuries have allowed the winger to get some time on the second power play unit. Currently in 39 games played, Fantillo has recorded 6 goals and 6 assists to go along with 21 penalty minutes.

More importantly, Fantillo owes everything that has happened in his hockey career to his family, "My Mom and Dad have been there for me since day 1, taking me to practice and games, spending the money for tournaments or new gear and I am glad I can give them this experience playing in the WHL, their hard work has paid off."

Fantillo and the Tigers are back in action tomorrow night when they take on the Vancouver Giants before heading off to Kelowna and Prince George. Medicine Hat returns home next weekend as they face the Moose Jaw Warriors and Prince Albert Raiders in back to back games at the Canalta Centre.

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