It is hard to believe he is already in his junior year. It seems like only yesterday I witnessed Mike take the Ontario Peewee Championships by storm, as he nonchalantly smashed the tournament record for points. After that week, I felt obligated to track his career because I believed, exactly what many people believed after watching him; we had just saw a player who had a future in the game.
Cammelleri continued through the Toronto Minor system and then easily adapted to Tier 2 with the Bramlea Blues. In his rookie year, he recorded 103 points and helped lead his team to the Royal Bank Cup. Following that year, he received a full scholarship to the NCAA most storied hockey program, U. of Michigan. And to date he has not disappointed.
In his freshmen year, he recorded a respectable 26 points, which was reasonable considering he was the youngest player in the CCHA by a full year. Last in his sophomore year, he was forced to take an extended role due to the loss of team catalyist Mike Comrie, and Cammallerri once again adapted quite easily. As an 18 year old sophomre, Cammalleri picked up 61 points and unquestionably became the team’s go-to-guy and an immediate Hobey Baker canditate for this season.
Unfortunately, things have not gone as great this season for the Wolverines. They have a fairly young team, but according to Cammalleri, now assistant captain, that is no excuse. “Youth doesn’t factor in for us. We are tired of being called a young team”. He leads the team in scoring with 9 points in 7 games, and has played well. However, the other teams have been able to really key on him because the Wolverines lack the depth the have traditionally been known for.
The Kings have themselves an excellent prospect who has moved up along the ranks and meet each new level with success. He is hard working, consistent and is a good person. When you are a smaller player, these personality traits are keys for success, which is exactly the path he is on. Can’t wait to see him again in the WJC!
