NE Prep: QA with Avons Cam Atkinson

Cam Atkinson was listed on this year's CS Preliminary List and has committed to Boston College for 2008, as they look to have another diminutive gem coming there next year. Despite being passed over in the 2007 NHL Draft, Atkinson is again making a case to be a late-round pick in 2008. He was recently named to the All-New England Team East thanks to his non-stop, full-speed style that is exciting to watch. He is fearless on the ice and despite his size, will go anywhere for the puck. He is dangerous around the net and if given any chance with puck, he will bury it. His vision is top notch and has a strong, quick shot. Atkinson finished the season with 63 points (26 goals 37 assists) and was second in prep scoring. If passed over again, he likely will be a prized free agent after a strong college career.

McKeen's correspondent Vincent Montalbano, recently had the chance to interview Atkinson fresh off his third NE prep championship. The 2008 draft-eligible prospect talks about his game, the upcoming draft, future college commitments, his experience with Avon and his plans for the summer.

McKeen's: How did you become interested in hockey? At what age did you start playing organized hockey?

Atkinson: My dad taught me how to skate at age two and I never looked back.

McKeen's: Describe the type of game you play. What are your strengths? Weaknesses?

Atkinson: I feel that I am a skilled, dynamic forward and I use my speed to my advantage. My strengths are my speed and I use that to create chances for my linemates and myself. I feel that my size can hurt me at times and I also feel that I need to improve in the defensive zone.

McKeen's: What would you say is the most underrated facet to your game?

Atkinson: A lot of people see a small kid and automatically assume I won't go into the corners and will play timid. I feel that I play extremely tough and don't back down from any opportunity to hit.

McKeen's: Which NHL player do you model your game after and why?

Atkinson: Brian Gionta because he does not let his size affect how he plays. He is extremely skilled in the offensive zone but also takes care of his defensive responsibilities.

McKeen's: Who are the five most talented players you have played against and what specifically do you admire about their styles?

Atkinson: Nick Bonino - He makes everyone around him better. Playing with him for two years forced me to always get open and expect a pass.

Tommy Cross - He is so poised with the puck and slows the game down. Rarely makes mistakes and uses his size to his advantage.

Nick Petrecki - An enforcer on the ice. He is always a threat offensively and you don't want to have your head down at any time when he is on the ice.

Jimmy Hayes - A power forward who has an awesome release. Uses his size and always drives hard to the net with or without the puck.

Max Pacioretty - Another power forward who is so skilled and doesn't lack anything. Even with his size, he can still score, pass, skate, and hit.

McKeen's: You are from Greenwich, CT. Where did you play before attending Avon? What made you decide to go to Avon out of all the prep schools in CT?

Atkinson: I played with Mid Fairfield. I knew most of the senior class, especially Sean Backman and John Mori, and that made the decision extremely easy. I also really liked coach Murphy even though he went to Taft.

McKeen's: Describe your decision process in committing early to Boston College? And what are you looking forward most to playing at BC with legendary coach York?

Atkinson: It was my dream school and I have wanted to go there since I was little. I am excited to play with the best kids in the country and under one of the most knowledgeable coaches in college hockey.

McKeen's: Any other schools in the mix?

Atkinson: I received a lot of attention from UNH, Providence, BU, and Denver.

McKeen's: You were fortunate enough to play a few seasons with your brother, Tom, at Avon and will play with him at Boston College. What is it like to play on the same team as your brother?

Atkinson: I grew up playing with him so I know his game and his habits on the ice. Playing with him for another 4 years is a dream come true.

McKeen's: What were your expectations coming into this season and does playing at a school like Avon have higher expectations than most schools every year?

Atkinson: I knew coming into the season that we had a good team and that I needed to step up and be a leader. Avon does have higher expectations because of the legacy that coach Gardner has.

McKeen's: You recently won your second prep championship, what was the difference between last years and this year?

Atkinson: This was actually my third NE title and I feel that this years was the most significant because last year Bonino was the go to guy, whereas this year I took on that role.

McKeen's: What do you think about coach Gardner and the job he has done at Avon (7 prep championships – most of any prep school)?

Atkinson: Coach Gardner is one of the best coaches I've ever had and knows the game so well. He has so much experience and is able to counter anything thrown at us.

McKeen's: Describe your summer. Do you play a lot of hockey or relax and workout? What do you focus on during off-season training?

Atkinson: I workout and skate four days a week. I focus on getting bigger, faster, and stronger.

McKeen's: The NHL Entry Draft will be coming up for you this year. Are you thinking about it at all?

Atkinson: It's always on my mind but I try not to let it affect how I play.

McKeen's: Is there an NHL team that you follow closely?

Atkinson: The New York Rangers.

McKeen's: Which areas do you consider you have to improve to succeed in the next level in college and further?

Atkinson:: I have to continue to get stronger and again, work on everything involved in the defensive zone.

McKeen's: In 2006, you were a member of the USA U-18 Team, what country did you play in and what was the experience like wearing the Team USA jersey?

Atkinson: I played in the Czech Republic and it was the most memorable hockey experience I have had so far. Wearing the USA jersey was a dream come true and playing against the best kids from around the world made me realize how much talent there is.

McKeen's Five Fun Questions:

1. What has been your best hockey moment so far? (Goal, hit, etc.)

Atkinson: Playing for the U-18 team and playing for my dad.

2. Best thing about your hometown Greenwich, CT?

Atkinson: The girls are beautiful

3. Favorite actor/ actress?

Atkinson: Denzel Washington and Jack Nicholson

4. If you had your own theme song, what would it be?

Atkinson: Sandstorm by Darude.

5. Best arena you played in?

Atkinson: Madison Square Garden.