It was a farewell party, but not a full farewell.
Cam Atkinson’s “Skate With Cam” charity event at the OhioHealth Ice House on Saturday was a unique opportunity to send the former Blue Jackets star to the Philadelphia Flyers – the first time he wears a different NHL jersey – but it was never ending its Columbus connection.
The 32-year-old striker and his wife Natalie intend to keep their home and return for the summer with their two young sons, not to mention that they might one day retire in Columbus.
“I know things can change quickly, but this is our home and no matter what, I’ll be a part of The Battery,” said Atkinson, referring to the thriving local hockey academy he co-founded in 2018 has owner. “We have friends here outside of hockey who are lifelong friends, and obviously we’re invested in the city and have a business here. At the moment there is no reason for me to change my mind when it comes to the question “Where will I tackle this summer?”. It really hasn’t crossed my mind yet. We love Columbus. Columbus is at home and we want to continue that. “
It’s also interesting since neither Cam nor Natalie are from Ohio.
He’s from Greenwich, Connecticut, she is from West Palm Beach, Florida, and they met as students at Boston College. As Atkinson became a star for the Jackets over the past decade, her ties to Columbus were rooted, including the births of sons Declan (2018) and Caden (2020).
There’s also the Hockey Academy, Atkinson’s charitable efforts, and its Force Network Fund, which helps fund several charity programs for members of the military and first responders, including the Ohio Warrior sled hockey program, which benefits from the farewell ice skate.
“I’ve been here for 10 years and it’s been quite a long time,” said Atkinson, who was dealt to the Flyers on July 24 in a deal that brought forward Jakub Voracek back to Columbus. “It’s quick, but our two boys were born here. I mean, it’s just … we’ve invested too much in the city. ”
So Atkinson stays. Somehow.
The hockey season is now being spent in Philadelphia, which is a new opportunity to watch the Stanley Cup as the Blue Jackets go through some sort of roster makeover.
“I don’t have a bitter taste in my mouth when I leave,” said Atkinson, who was selected by the Blue Jackets in the sixth round of the 2008 NHL Draft. “I mean, it’s obviously no secret that the team clearly doesn’t want you anymore if you get traded. Feeling loved and hopefully part of the solution in Philly is all you as a gamer will ever want. I’m really excited about this opportunity and it just gives me new energy. It gives you butterflies again … to prove yourself. ”
It also gave Atkinson a new way to raise money for charity.
It took only three days for his farewell skate to reach its maximum capacity of 400 people as $ 25 tickets to attend were quickly devoured. Hosting the skate was also Atkinson’s way of thanking the local fans who have supported him over the past 10 years, but the quick sell-out also sent him a “thank you” message.
“It was definitely humbling just to see the support I got in Columbus and I’m eternally grateful for that,” said Atkinson, who will return to Nationwide Arena for the first time on April 7th. “That’s why I’ve always wanted to invest in the city. The fact that I come back every summer is just a little goodbye for me. It’s not forever. ”
@BrianHedger
