Rangers acquire Waterloo’s Campbell in deal with Attack
KITCHENER — Chase Campbell has been through this drill before. Three times, in fact.
He was traded from Sarnia to Ottawa and then from the nation’s capital to Owen Sound.
Thursday, he found out that was on the move again.
“You get a call and the next thing you know within hours you’re on the road going to the next team,” he said, of the usual trade scenario.
This time, it worked out well for the Waterloo native, who was acquired by the Kitchener Rangers from Owen Sound for a conditional 10th-round Ontario Hockey League draft pick in 2020.
“I’ve been at home for the past two weeks,” he said. “I just got in my car and drove up to the rink (Aud) which is pretty exciting.”
Campbell was battling five other overagers for three roster spots in Owen Sound. The Attack opted for other options and released the 20-year-old a couple of weeks back.
The news was tough to take but the former Waterloo Wolves star — who potted 50 goals and added 67 assists in his minor midget year — remained positive.
“I had some hope that I was going to land somewhere in the league,” he said. “In my opinion, Kitchener was one of the best case scenarios. I get to play in my hometown and in front of parents, friends and family. I get to finish my career here.”
The winger’s addition fills the Rangers’ third and final overage slot (Kyle Gentles and Connor Hall are the others).
It also gives the green group some much needed experience and leadership up front.
Campbell was Sarnia’s thirdround pick in the 2014 Ontario Hockey League draft and has compiled 20 goals and 34 assists over 180 career games for the Sting, 67’s and Attack.
But he believes the best is yet to come.
“I think this could be the year for me to really blossom offensively,” he said. “That’s what I did at a younger age, and I want to get back to that and play a really good 200-foot game but chip in offensively more.”
Campbell is expected to make his debut Friday when the Rangers host the Ottawa 67’s on East Avenue.
And that has the local lad beaming.
“I’m just really excited to get the first one under my belt at the Aud on the other side of things,” he said.