Fox River Classic Conference Player of the Year

Notre Dame Academy has produced an abundant number of elite high school hockey players. Your pen would run out of ink writing all the names. Nathan Antti is added to the long list.

Nathan is a senior defenseman, team captain, and he was recently named the Fox River Classic Conference Player of the Year. Nathan’s leadership, dedication to team, and presence have been pivotal for Notre Dame Academy this season.

Nathan also plays for Team Wisconsin. This past fall he played for TW U18 in the Elite League, which is regarded as the best league in USA Hockey below juniors. In addition, he represented Wisconsin last spring in the prestigious Minnesota CCM NIT as a member of TW HP 18.

“Nathan’s biggest attribute is his poise with the puck. He seems to find open forwards and lanes to the net almost every time he has the puck. Nathan is a selfless leader…a unanimous captain within our locker room. His talent is undeniable, and he is as mature as anyone in our program. We look forward to watching Nathan succeed on and off the ice.” Mike Szkodzinski, head coach, Notre Dame Academy

“We really enjoyed having Nate on our NIT team last year. He and Wyatt Herres were paired to form our Notre Dame shutdown D! Nate played tight gaps and surfed opponents in the neutral zone as good as I have seen from a high school player. What really stands out about Nate is how respectful and coachable he is.” Cal Roadhouse, head coach, Team Wisconsin HP 18

Let’s hear from Nathan Antti!

Congratulations on being named Fox River Conference Player of the Year. Thank you!

What are some highlights of your time at Notre Dame Academy? The two state championships were awesome. Going undefeated my sophomore season; we had a great brotherhood with teammates. This year we have a lot of new faces but have come together and built chemistry.

When did you start playing hockey? When I was 4.

Where did you play youth hockey? Oshkosh Warbirds and Junior Gamblers.

Did anyone in your family play hockey. My uncle Jason Manthei played junior hockey and then for UW Eau Claire.

Do you have any siblings? I have a sister, Morgan. She attends UW Madison for biology on the pre-med track.

Last spring you played for TW HP 18 at the CCM NIT…how was that experience? It was fun. There were a lot of scouts there. The competition was good, and it was good to play with players going to the next level.

What was it like playing for TW U18 this fall in the Elite League? It was a good experience. Lots of good competition. I got to play against a lot of D-1 commits.

What is your favorite hockey memory? My peewee year I played for the Jr. Gamblers, we went to Quebec, and I stayed with a billet family. It was a really great experience.

What is your pregame ritual? I like to warm up on a bike.

What hockey skills do you have that separate you from the competition? I have good vision. I see the ice well and what is coming next.

Is there an NHL player you model your game after? A combination of players. I would say Devon Toews from the Colorado Avalanche.

Who is the most influential person in your life? My dad and my next-door neighbor Peter. My dad has always pushed me to be the best I can be. He is always there for me.

If you could meet anyone, who would you want to meet? Elon Musk.

What questions would you ask Elon Musk? Who were his mentors growing up. What habits would he recommend. Did he have good grades. What is his favorite sport.

What is the plan for hockey after high school? I plan to play juniors, but I am not sure where yet. I’ve had interest from NAHL teams.

If you don’t play juniors, where will you go to school? UW Madison.

What do you want to do for your career? Real Estate.

What do you enjoy doing in addition to hockey? Golfing. Going boating. Tubing, skiing, wakeboarding, and wake surfing. And attending sports events.

What is your favorite food? Orange Chicken.

Do you have a favorite restaurant for Orange Chicken? Panda Express.

What is your favorite music group or type of music? I like country music. Cody Johnson. Morgan Wallen. Zach Bryan.

If Elon Musk would pay for a trip, where would you go? To the Alps and go skiing.

Chocolate cake, brownie, or apple pie? Brownie all the way!

Pickup truck or sports car? Sports car. Porsche 911.

Final thoughts? I want to thank all my coaches, parents, friends, and teammates for pushing me and being there for me.

Best wishes to Nathan Antti!

Yours for hockey, Matt Carey