Atkinson enjoys charity ‘send-off ’ skate with fans
It was a farewell party, but not a full goodbye.
Cam Atkinson's “Skate With Cam” charitable event Saturday at the Ohiohealth Ice Haus was a unique way to send the former Blue Jackets' star off to the Philadelphia Flyers, the first time he'll wear another NHL uniform, but it wasn't an end to his Columbus connection.
The 32-year old forward and his wife, Natalie, intend to keep their house and return for summers with their two young sons, possibly retiring in Columbus some day.
“I know things can change quickly, but this is our home and no matter what I'm going to be involved with ‘The Battery,' ” Atkinson said, referring to the thriving local hockey academy that he helped start in 2018. “We have friends here outside of hockey that are lifelong friends, and obviously we're invested in the city and have a business here. As of now, there's no reason for me to think otherwise, as far as, ‘Where am I going to live in the summers?' That really hasn't even crossed my mind. We love Columbus. Columbus is home and we want to continue that.”
Neither Cam nor Natalie are from Ohio. He's from Greenwich, Connecticut, and she's from West Palm Beach, Florida, and they met as students at Boston College. During the past decade, as Atkinson became a star for the Jackets, their ties to Columbus took root, including the births of sons Declan (2018) and Caden (2020).
There is also the hockey academy, Atkinson's community service efforts and his Force Network Fund that helps fund multiple charitable programs for members of the military and first responders, including the Ohio Warrior sled hockey program benefiting from the send-off skate.
“I've been here for 10 years, and that's a pretty long time,” said Atkinson, who was dealt to the Flyers on July 24 in a trade that returned forward Jakub Voracek to Columbus. “It goes fast, but both of our boys were born here. I mean, it's just … we have too much invested in the city.”
So, Atkinson's staying. Sort of.
Hockey seasons will be spent in Philadelphia, which is a new opportunity to chase the Stanley Cup while the Blue Jackets go through a roster makeover.
“I have no bitter taste in my mouth with leaving,” 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 when you get traded, the team clearly doesn't
want you anymore. So, to feel loved and hopefully be part of the solution in Philly, that's all you ever want as a player. I'm super excited about this opportunity and it just gives me new energy. It gives you butterflies again … proving yourself.”
It gave Atkinson a new way to raise money for charity, too.
It took only three days for his sendoff skate to reach its maximum capacity of 400 people, as $25 tickets were gobbled up quickly. Hosting the skate was also Atkinson's way of giving thanks to local fans who've supported him the past 10 years, but the rapid sell-out also sent a “thank you” message to him.
“That was definitely humbling, just to see the support that I have throughout Columbus, and I really am forever thankful for that,” said Atkinson, who will return to Nationwide Arena on April 7 for the first time as an opposing player. “That's why I've always wanted to invest in the city. So, the fact I'm coming back every summer, I think it's just a little goodbye for a little bit. It's not forever.” bhedger@dispatch.com @Brianhedger