From Backyard Rinks to the NHL: Lessons from the Atkinsons 🏒
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Every parent dreams of supporting their child’s hockey passion—but few have a journey as compelling as Tom and Ellen Atkinson’s. Their son Cam and his four brothers all started playing on home ice, and Cam eventually reached the NHL. Here’s what parents can learn from their inspiring story, shared on Our Kids Play Hockey:
1. Family First, Hockey Second
For Tom and Ellen, hockey was a family affair—not just Cam’s thing. They emphasized the shared experience: practices, skate sharpening, backyard puck time—all fueling brotherly camaraderie and mutual support.
2. Overcoming Adversity: Cam’s Serious Injury
At age 15, Cam suffered a fractured tibia and fibula. A doctor initially said he might never skate again, but Tom and Ellen pursued a second opinion and chose surgery and rehab. Cam recovered fully—highlighting why persistence, informed medical decisions, and parental advocacy matter.
3. Size Doesn’t Define You
At 5'8", Cam wasn’t the prototypical NHL prospect, but he became known for his speed, agility, and hockey sense. His rise to the NHL proves skill, determination, and competitive spirit can outweigh physical stature.
4. Invest in Development, Not Just Dreams
From local gyms to elite prep school at Avon Old Farms, the Atkinsons invested in quality coaching, environment, and competition. These were stepping stones in Cam’s development path leading to Boston College and the NHL.
5. Consistency & Sacrifice = Results
Their hockey life wasn’t glamorous—it was early mornings, practices in all weather, and balancing schoolwork. But it also meant celebrating game-day successes and supporting each other at every step.
đź’ˇ Key Takeaways for Youth Hockey Parents
| Principle | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Play Together | Make hockey a family routine that bonds rather than stresses everyone. |
| Advocate for Your Child | Don’t accept “no”—seek second opinions and appropriate medical/talent support. |
| Prioritize Quality | Invest in coaching, hockey-specific training, and competitive environments. |
| Support Without Pressure | Encourage performance, but keep it fun and supportive. |
| Embrace Challenges | Use setbacks as learning opportunities—and celebrate resilience. |
Watch the Full Episode 🎧
In the Our Kids Play Hockey episode, Tom and Ellen dive deep into topics like finding balance, encouraging sibling relationships through sport, and navigating the mental game alongside the physical—valuable insights for every parent on the hockey journey.
Final Thoughts
The Atkinsons’ journey from backyard shoots to NHL arenas shows that success in hockey is built on love, persistence, wise decisions, and family unity. For parents, that means more than cheering on the bench—it means being the coach, nurse, nutritionist, psychologist, and teammate all rolled into one.
Let the Atkinsons’ story remind us: when family is the core, lessons learned on the ice translate far beyond the boards.
Your turn:
What’s one challenge you’ve faced as a hockey parent—getting the gear, balancing practices, or dealing with injuries? Hit reply or drop a note in the comments—we’d love to hear and help turn setbacks into growing opportunities.
This post is powered by insights from the episode “Our Kid Made It to the NHL with Tom & Ellen Atkinson” on Our Kids Play Hockey