Steve Cameron formerly of the Penticton Vees has made a name for himself as a sophomore at NCAA Division 1 Mercyhurst College as he was named AHA Player of the Week in early March and is currently leading his team in points and is in a three way tie for fourth place in NCAA scoring.
The five-foot-nine, 170 pound forward is now majoring in hotel, restaurant and institutional management in Erie, Pennsylvania while putting up big numbers towards the Lakers go at the frozen four championships.
Cameron proved he is a high-calibre asset by posting a 22-26-48 record after playing 38 games leaving him with a 1.26 point per game average, which was a step up from his 6-11-17 in 40 games last season.
“It was my sophomore year so I was more comfortable and knew what to expect,” says Cameron of his points spike.
He also attributes much of his success this season to the training he did when he came back to Penticton during the off-season.
“I had a very good summer of training in Penticton. I really focused on training and hockey and really applied myself.”
Going back to Penticton during the summer wasn’t only a good decision for his hockey career but also put him on the right track with other job opportunities.
“I’m really close with my billet from when I played for the Vees and there was an internship opportunity working for a hotel which worked out well,” says Cameron.
The Mission B.C. native played four years in the BCHL splitting his time between the Merritt Centennials, Victoria Salsa, Quesnel Millionaires and Penticton Vees.
Over those four seasons Cameron posted more than 40 points each season and in his last year with Penticton his scoring potential shone through as he finished the regular season leading his team in points with 37-34-71 in 60 games played.
Cameron says he took a lot away from the Vees program.
“I was really lucky to have the coach that I did; he was definitely one of the best I’ve ever had. He really stressed commitment along with a lot of Xs and Os and skills and all that. The Vees program showed me how much it takes on and off the ice to be a winner,” Cameron adds. “It’s a very first class place.”
Penticton is also where Cameron picked up the not so typical skill of keeping a journal as a way to progress as a player. He writes in it after most ice times whether they are games or practices.
“It’s nothing too heavy,” he says. “I write things in that I want to work on, general thoughts on other teams, I also reflect on what I need to work on and what works well.
“I’ve done it on and off and we did a similar sort of thing as a team in Penticton, then I took it to a personal level and it helped.”
Mercyhurst Lakers head coach Rick Gotkin thinks that Cameron’s writing is proof of how dedicated he is.
“He’s made an impact from the moment he stepped foot on campus. He’s a great player and student.”
Gotkin thinks that the steps Cameron made this season are just the beginning.
“He’s really starting to figure it out, where he needs to be on the ice at all times. He’s a dangerous player especially when he’s handling the puck.
“I think he could play pro. He has such great skills; he sees the ice well and knows where to be in order to get the puck. I think he is a legitimate pro prospect,” says Gotkin.
“I’d love to continue playing hockey at a professional level, whether it’s in North America or Europe,” says Cameron. “But I know eventually I’d love to work in the field I’m majoring in.”
But before looking to the future Cameron is focusing on the Lakers next game, which is Friday against RIT in the semi-finals of the AHA playoffs.
