Blenheim’s Aitken Signs With Welland

Blenheim’s Cam Aitken will be suiting up for a new team at a new level in 2014-2015, as the Blenheim, Ontario product has signed with the Welland Junior B Canadians, who play in the GOJHL’s Golden Horseshoe Conference.

“It feels amazing to be given the chance to play hockey and get my degree at the same time,” says Aitken, who will study police investigations and sciences at Niagara College.

Last season, Aitken, who turns 19 in November, was the Great Lakes Junior C Hockey League’s second leading scorer, and the top scorer on the Blenheim Blades.

In 39 games with the Blades last season, Aitken, who was an assistant captain with the team, scored 22 goals and added 34 assists for 56 points. Aitken hopes he can carry over his success to the Junior B level with the Canadians.

“To be able to make the Canadians is a great honour,” says Aitken. “They have given me the chance to prove myself and have been nothing but great with everything. The step from C to B will be a big step, but I am preparing myself and will be ready to prove that I could make this step.”

Aitken, a former Chatham-Kent Cyclones ‘AAA’ standout, was not only the Blades’ leading scorer, but he was also named the team’s most valuable player at their annual award banquet in April.

For many athletes, the move to school can mean the end of their Junior playing days, so Aitken says he is thankful for the opportunity to play in the GOJHL.

“I’ve always wanted to continue to play. Never wanted to let my career go to waste,” said Aitken. “Was very lucky to just be able to find a hockey team while I’m at school, it’s a dream come true.”

The Welland Jr. Canadians finished third in the GOJHL’s Golden Horseshoe Conference last season with a 29-15-5 record behind the Sutherland Cup champion Caledonia Corvairs and the Sutherland Cup runner-up St. Catharines Falcons.