IceDogs name Butler captain
Just call him captain Cam.
The Niagara IceDogs have named Cam Butler as captain for the 2021/22 Ontario Hockey League season.
“A player can grow and develop over the course of a junior hockey season to the point that the player is almost unrecognizable at the end of the year,” IceDogs coach Billy Burke said. “This is what happened with Cam Butler over the last season. I kept in touch with Cam quite regularly and not one time did he ever feel sorry for himself for not getting drafted or blame anyone or make any excuses. Instead, he committed himself 100 per cent to becoming a pro, a leader and the best person he can be.”
Butler is a 19-year-old Ottawa native who was acquired from Peterborough in the deal that sent former captain Akil Thomas to the Petes.
“Off the ice, Cam is a high character, high integrity person, who is mature beyond his years,” Burke said. “He is very approachable, incredibly well respected by the players, has a great feel for the dressing room and is the first guy to pick a guy up if he falls. Everything that Cam does off the ice, he backs up on the ice. He is the first guy in the gym in the morning and the last guy to leave in the afternoon.”
Butler, who went to camp with the Detroit Red Wings this fall, is excited to wear the C.
“To be named captain of this team is extremely special to me,” he said. “I would like to thank the entire coaching staff and all my teammates for this opportunity. It is a huge honour that I am very grateful for and carry with pride. We have such an incredible group of guys on this team and have taken huge strides. It’s going to be a very exciting season, and once again, I am so honoured to be able to lead this team and show everyone what we are capable of.”
Joining Butler will be assistants Mason Howard and Jake Uberti. Burke said he may add a third assistant in the new year.
“I have an incredible amount of trust and respect for Jake, Mason and Cam,” Burke said. “To see the quality of person that these guys have developed into is a great feeling. I could not be more confident in their abilities.”
The IceDogs open the regular season in Barrie Thursday before hosting the Oshawa Generals Saturday at Meridian Centre in their home opener.
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