The NOJHL officially kicks off its 2018-2019 regular season tomorrow, and today I had the chance to speak with Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario product David Campbell, who is getting set to play this season with the Powassan Voodoos.
Campbell was also drafted in the 4th round by the North Bay Battalion in this year’s OHL Priority Selection after spending last season with the North Bay Trappers Minor Midget AAA club.
How did it feel to get drafted by the North Bay Battalion in this year’s OHL Priority Selection?
DAVID CAMPBELL
It felt amazing, this is what I’ve been working for all my life! It’s so cool to finally see all the years of working so hard at something you love to do, finally pay off.
MATT STEFANO
How was your experience at Battalion Camp and what did you learn from head coach Stan Butler?
DAVID CAMPBELL
Battalion Camp was an awesome experience. I feel like I did very well at Main Camp and thought I fit right in with the veteran OHLers, and I did not feel out of place one bit. I learned a lot from Stan and his coaching staff, and the main things I took away was the attention to detail they have. They also love when their guys play mean with some grit, even in all the skilled forwards.
MATT STEFANO
Why did you feel North Bay was the best place for you to play in the Great North Midget League last year?
DAVID CAMPBELL
Moving to North Bay was the best for me because I thought I had the best opportunity there for my hockey development. The North Bay program seems to be way ahead of others in the north right now, and the coaching is next to none. It was an exciting experience as a 15 year old and I would highly recommend it if you’re a player from the north who’s looking to go somewhere in hockey.
MATT STEFANO
How did it feel being the top scorer on the North Bay Trappers last season?
DAVID CAMPBELL
In my Minor Midget season last year in North Bay, I felt it went amazing. I was the top scoring forward and I thought I even did the little things to help my team win. But my success had a lot to do with my teammates and coaches.
MATT STEFANO
How did it feel to see your some of your Trappers teammates also get picked by the North Bay Battalion in this year’s OHL Priority Selection?
DAVID CAMPBELL
It’s really cool to see how they support their local minor hockey players. I was with my friends and family on draft day, and it was a feeling I’ll never forget. Being drafted with some of my Trapper teammates was also a very cool experience. I feel it will keep us close together in the coming years and push us to reach our goal of making the OHL. Also it got rid of any nervousness at main camp, because I already knew so many kids and I was just a blast.
MATT STEFANO
You’re also the cousin of former Soo Thunderbirds forward Brett Campbell, who won a Copeland Cup McNamara Trophy and a Dudley Hewitt Cup title with the Thunderbirds back in 2012. What have you learned from him?
DAVID CAMPBELL
I have always looked up to my cousin Brett Campbell since I was little. We have always had a super close family that loves hockey. He is a great role model and had a very successful NOJHL career, winning multiple awards and championships. Following in Brett’s footsteps I know I’ll be fine, because he has already showed me the hard work and what it takes to be successful in this league.
MATT STEfANO
As you get set to enter your the 2018-2019 season with the NOJHL’s Powassan Voodoos, what do you plan on bringing to the team?
DAVID CAMPBELL
I plan on bringing the Voodoos a very high scoring forward with tons of speed and creativity, that works hard at both ends of the ice. I am super excited to get to work with my new teammates!
**Original Article By Matt Stefano courtesy of SaultOnline.com
Original Article can be found here
https://saultonline.com/2018/09/david-campbell-getting-set-for-a-season-in-powassan/
