Exit Interviews 2024-25: #5 Wyatt Bongiovanni

With the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs well underway and the Belleville Senators wading into the offseason, David Foot sat down with the players to reflect on a year filled with challenges, growth, and standout moments. In this exclusive series of year-in-review interviews, players open up about their personal journeys, team milestones, and what it meant to represent Belleville and the Bay of Quinte this season. From locker room highlights to on-ice battles, these conversations offer a behind-the-scenes look at the season that was — and a glimpse at what’s ahead.

Today, we check in with forward Wyatt Bongiovanni, who completed his first full season with Belleville, after being acquired at the 2024 trade dealine.

DF: You joined the team at the deadline last year but got a full year as a member of the Belleville Senators. How did you feel about your year?

WB: It was fun. It was good being a part of this group. Coming in last year, I was just trying to get my feet under me, and I did a pretty good job of getting acclimated to the city and my surroundings pretty quickly. So, it gave me a little bit of a head start coming into this year. I had some ups and downs with injuries, but my play on the ice saw some major improvements from seasons prior. Overall, I thought it was a positive experience for me. I definitely developed as a player and as a person, and I think that’s all you can ask for.

DF: You set a career high in points and in goals, even with those injuries that you talked about. What were the keys to staying consistent even through having to take those breaks to rehab?

WB: It’s just taking things day by day. I think having a really good process allows you to trust the work that you’ve put in. You just have to have confidence in your day-to-day, your everyday nutrition, etc., and you stay consistent, and the results will follow.

DF: I know you and Stephen Halliday room together, and one of the things we heard a lot about at this time last year was how tight the group was. It seemed like that was prevalent again with this season’s edition of the Senators.

WB: No question. Stephen and I got along from the moment we both arrived last year. We had some success on the ice, and he’s a fun guy to be around. We learned a lot from each other, which made for a conducive environment for us. We had a lot of fun at the house; there are definitely a lot of memories. And that only allows us to get closer in the locker room and on the ice. We can challenge each other but still be lighthearted, too.

DF: You talked about your on-ice development this year. What improvements are you most proud of?

WB: I feel like the obvious answer is goal scoring, but I talk a lot with my parents (my dad), and there’s still a lot of opportunity for goals to be had. You don’t want to take those chances for granted, so I know there’s a higher ceiling for that, which is exciting. But I was really proud of my overall puck touches and my confidence, the way I was approaching the game and seeing the game while I was out there on the ice. I felt like I had a deeper understanding of a left-winger’s role or a right-winger’s role, because I got a little bit away from centre this year, so I got to dial in the wing. Also, getting more comfortable on the power play. When you have the trust of your coaches, they give you runway and opportunity on the ice, and it’s fun as a player. I feel like that’s where the growth really happens.

DF: What will you get up to in the offseason besides training? I remember, last year you were in Italy?

WB: Italy is actually on the itinerary again. My mom surprised us with an email with flight tickets, and a smile just erupted on my face. I had an incredible experience there last season with my family, so we’re headed back. In between training, I’ll do some travelling. I end up building a pretty tight schedule and figure out my weekends in advance, so it’ll be a fun summer.

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