A late-season surge has the Columbus Blue Jackets in prime position to contend for the Stanley Cup, and Greenwich, Conn., native Cam Atkinson will be a prominent figure in the team’s postseason fortunes. A former standout at Avon Old Farms, he helped Boston College win the 2010 NCAA title, scoring two goals in the championship game. After putting up 35 goals last season, he’s found the going a bit tougher this season, but his 20 tallies through 61 games was second on the Blue Jackets at press time. New England Hockey Journal caught up with Atkinson before Columbus’ March 19 game at Boston, in which Atkinson scored the overtime winner.
Billy Jaffe: Besides your parents, who had the biggest influence in your youth hockey development days?
Cam Atkinson: I can pinpoint probably three guys. One of my main coaches besides my dad growing up was a guy named Marvin Minkler, who is still around.
