Anthony Romani and his sharp-shooting mentality earned him his 22nd goal of the season this past weekend. More on his natural goal-scoring ability, high end vision, and ability to find success on a system-heavy team.
Anthony Romani has been "the guy" for the North Bay Battalion all season long, and now he is up to 22 goals on the season.
Romani's sharp-shooting mentality and natural finishing ability has been on full-display so far this season, as he sits second overall in the OHL in goals.
North Bay is not typically a dangerous team offensively, they play a tough, physical, lockdown game that is incredibly difficult to play against. This is the play-style that they preach, but Romani has been able to shine through his team's systems.
The most noticeable improvement for Romani this season has been is ability to finish on command. He has been able to find the soft areas in the offensive zone, and finish nearly all of his grade A opportunities. His willingness to be selfish — despite his high vision — and shoot the puck himself has also attributed to his success.
Regarding his vision, Romani's eyes and hockey sense are still a vital part of his game. He has complete offensive awareness to find himself and teammates open in high quality scoring areas.
He also has the ability to create off the rush, his quick vision allows him to hit teammates in stride. He can really turn on the jets in transition, but he also has a patience to his game when he needs it.
It has taken Romani a couple of seasons to really gain his footing in the OHL, but it has been worth the wait on the undrafted forward.
Romani has been one of the league's most consistent forwards this season, and he is surely at the top of the board in terms of overage players for the 2024 NHL Draft. If Romani continues to perform the way he has been, he will be a lock for the draft in June.