Photo Credit: Our very own Rob Windfelder
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. That was then, this is now. He finally scored his first goal since March 18, 2022. Atkinson scored for the first time in an organized hockey game in 563 days last night. Finally, that monkey is off his back.
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 in the Summer, and it has paid off. Anytime Atkinson hit the ice, it was a huge plus, “I’m excited to get going, and prove some people wrong,” Atkinson said at camp last week.
Atkinson remains a pillar in the Columbus community, as he has his eyes on Flyers training camp in preparation for the 2023-24 season. He hopes to right the ship from last season, so Atkinson is happy to get back to work, “I’m ready to get back to work,” Atkinson said.
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That goal could be one of the biggest sighs of relief in his NHL career. He longer has to clutch his stick, or put more pressure on himself to produce. He scored, now it’s time to move on to being the 25-30 goal scorer teams are used to seeing him being. I’m sure it made him feel good though, “Some things never change. It’s always good to score (Laughing),” Atkinson said following the game.
“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. He’s ready to start the 2023-24 season. Atkinson did say he wants to play in at least four pre-season games to get his timing and rhythm back. Whatever the case may be, everyone is happy he’s back 100% healthy. Barring injury or a last minute scratch, Atkinson should be in the lineup for the Flyers last pre-season game on Thursday night.
