Vancouver Canucks Prospect Anthony Romani Explains Bold Move from OHL to NCAA
Anthony Romani, a promising prospect within the Vancouver Canucks organization, has recently made headlines for his choice to leave the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and pursue a new opportunity with the NCAA. The 19-year-old forward, who most recently played for the Barrie Colts, has committed to joining Michigan State University starting in the 2025-26 season. This move comes as part of a growing trend of junior hockey players taking advantage of a new agreement between the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and the NCAA, which permits greater mobility and flexibility for athletes seeking academic and athletic development in the United States.
Romani’s shift comes at a pivotal time in junior hockey. A new agreement between the CHL and the NCAA, going into effect next season, allows players more freedom to move between these two major systems. This rule change has already begun to reshape the landscape, with top-tier prospects like Cayden Lindstrom, Henry Mews, and Malcolm Spence also committing to NCAA powerhouses such as Michigan State and the University of Michigan. More announcements are expected as players reevaluate their development paths.
Last month, Romani formally declared his decision to join Michigan State University after spending four years playing major junior hockey in Ontario. His time in the OHL included tenures with the North Bay Battalion and, more recently, the Barrie Colts. The Colts congratulated Romani in an official statement, noting his decision to bypass his final overage year in junior hockey to pursue both education and a high-level collegiate hockey career.
Rather than continuing in the OHL for another season or signing an entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks and beginning his pro career with the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL, Romani has chosen a route that offers academic opportunities alongside elite-level competition. With the added benefit of being able to earn money through NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals—something granted to NCAA athletes following a landmark 2021 ruling—Romani’s choice could be seen as a strategic and forward-thinking decision, not just for hockey but for his overall development.
Speaking in a recent interview with hockey analyst Chris Faber, Romani offered deeper insight into what influenced his choice. He said that the NCAA opportunity first intrigued him following the announcement of the new eligibility rules. This sparked serious consideration, and after spending time researching and visiting schools, Michigan State emerged as his top choice.
“It is a super cool opportunity for me,” Romani told Faber. “I think when that whole rule change happened, I was excited for it, and it was something I was interested in. We thought it would be a good option going into next year. As time went on, I talked to some schools. I was lucky enough; when I was injured, I was able to visit Michigan State and a couple of other schools. It was really cool to see the facilities and all they had to offer.”
The campus visit clearly left a lasting impression on Romani, who praised Michigan State’s hockey facilities and overall environment. The Pickering, Ontario native sees it as the ideal setting for his next step both on the ice and in the classroom.
Romani’s final season in the OHL showcased his talents and set the stage for this transition. In January, he was traded from North Bay to the Barrie Colts before the OHL’s trade deadline. This move turned out to be a game-changer. In Barrie, he found himself surrounded by high-caliber teammates, including fellow Vancouver Canucks prospect Riley Patterson, as well as other NHL-drafted players like Cole Beaudoin (Utah Mammoth), Emil Hemming (Dallas Stars), Beau Akey (Edmonton Oilers), Gabriel Eliasson (Ottawa Senators), Tristan Bertucci (Dallas Stars), and Brad Gardiner (Dallas Stars).
Romani thrived in his new environment. In just 29 regular season games with the Colts, he racked up an impressive 30 points, consisting of 19 goals and 11 assists. He elevated his game even further in the playoffs, amassing 24 points—12 goals and 12 assists—in just 16 games. His contributions were instrumental in helping the Colts reach the Eastern Conference Final for the first time in nearly a decade, dating back to 2016.
While junior hockey provided Romani with critical development opportunities, the jump to the NCAA presents a fresh set of challenges and benefits. The collegiate game is known for being more physically demanding and structured, often serving as an effective springboard to the NHL. For Romani, it means competing against older, stronger opponents, refining his skills, and preparing for the pace and complexity of the pro game.
From the perspective of the Vancouver Canucks organization, Romani’s decision to develop in the NCAA may also be a win. It allows him to mature at a top-tier program without immediately occupying a contract slot or facing the intense pressure of the AHL. In time, this could pay dividends, offering the Canucks a more seasoned and well-rounded player when he eventually makes the leap to professional hockey.
In the broader context, Romani’s decision symbolizes a shift in how young Canadian hockey players are viewing their options. For years, the CHL was considered the gold standard in junior hockey development. However, the increasing allure of the NCAA—bolstered by top-notch facilities, education, NIL opportunities, and a rising level of competition—is making it an increasingly attractive path.
As Romani gets set to begin his college career, he’ll be joining a program with a strong track record of developing NHL-ready talent. With continued growth, discipline, and hard work, his journey through Michigan State could serve as the ideal launching pad to one day skating full-time in the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks.
His story is not only a personal milestone but also part of a growing trend that could reshape the future of player development in North American hockey. For now, all eyes will be on East Lansing, where Anthony Romani will look to build on his OHL success and take the next big step in his hockey journey.
