Photo Credit: NHL.com
Cam Atkinson missed the entire 2022-23 season with an unfortunate injury, and he was looking to get cleared for contact approximately two weeks following exit interviews.
During the Summer months many players like to attend summer leagues or develop their own type of scrimmages to train, stay fresh, and hit the ice. Atkinson took to the ice in Columbus at Battery Hockey Camp. Anytime Atkinson hit the ice, it was a huge plus, “I’m excited to get going, and prove some people wrong.”
Atkinson remains a pillar in the Columbus community, as he had his eyes on Flyers training camp in preparation for the 2023-24 season when the season ended this past Spring. He hoped to right the ship from last season, so Atkinson is happy to get back to work, “I’m ready to get back to work.”
He has left off where he finished the 2021-22 season. Atkinson has been on fire, as he now has eight goals in 15 games played. He has always been known as a goal scorer, as Atkinson usually pots 20-30 goals a season. What’s been even more impressive is his willingness to take a beating in front of the net to pot some dirty goals, but he has had one heck of a snap shot to pair along with his good hands.
“That was our emphasis the last couple of days, especially after last game and practice, and one of our keys tonight,” Atkinson said following the game against the Los Angeles Kings. “Yeah, good things happen when you go to the paint.”
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“I’m gonna play in pre-season games. It has nothing to do with the injury last year,” Atkinson said at training camp. Well that time has come and went, as Atkinson suited up to play in his first game in 536 days this season. For his efforts, Atkinson has netted eight goals and four assists in 15 games played. It’s not just about him scoring, it’s how he is producing in general.
“I got to spend time with my family more than I ever have this season. Got the surgery, and my wife gave birth as you know,” Atkinson said on the first day of training camp. “As my wife would say, first she’s a rockstar. She’s a rockstar, the kids, she allows me to follow my dreams. But, I’m ready to get back to work.”
Cam is back in full force, and ready to go. It’s great to see him happy, and back 100% healthy playing the sport he loves. Atkinson is a great asset to this young Flyers team, not only on the ice, but off it, as well.
