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Battalion prospect from the Soo making a name for himself with the Voodoos

David Campbell has only seen his stock rise since being taken 69th overall by the North Bay Battalion in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection
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David Campbell celebrates a goal against the French River Rapids back in October. Photo by Chris Dawson/BayToday.ca

David Campbell has only seen his stock rise since being taken 69th overall by the North Bay Battalion in the 2018 OHL priority selection.

Campbell has been plying his trade with the Powassan Voodoos of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League with a stat line that reads more like a seasoned veteran than a rookie.

So far Campbell has put up 8 goals, 11 assists, good for 19 points in 23 games. 

That impressive rookie output has earned him a spot on the NOJHL East all-star team which will be taking part in the Eastern Canada Cup All-Star Challenge which begins next week in Trenton. 

“It feels really good to make it as a rookie,” Campbell said shortly after his Voodoos defeated the Cochrane Crunch 7-4.

“It’s good competition to play against the OJHL and CCHL players.”

Campbell will be joined by fellow Battalion prospect Joe Vrbetic, forward Cade Herd and defenceman Cam Moore on the All-Star squad. 

Voodoos head coach Max Gavin is on NOJHL Team East as an assistant coach. 

“David came in and he wants to work. He wants to be here and he comes in and works hard,” Voodoos head coach Max Gavin said about Campbell’s play. 

“He got off to a hot start, he was doing great. I think he learned his rookie lesson a little bit for the next 5 or so games, but he’s really come on. He’s starting to be more responsible away from the puck, and he’s out there in the last five minutes up a goal and I think that’s going to go a long way in his development. Everybody knows the talent is there with the goal scoring and if he keeps shoring up his play in the defensive zone, he’s going to be a heck of a good player.”

Campbell himself made it very obvious last season when he decided to make the move from Sault Ste Marie to North Bay to play with the Minor Midget Trappers. 

“I knew after playing against the Trappers for eight seasons that they had a better program compared to the Soo,” Campbell said about the transition.

Draft day of course is always a big day for a player no matter the level and the same can be said about David. 

“It was exciting. I was with my parents and we all jumped when my name was called and were very happy.” Campbell said of his draft.

The North Bay Battalion prospect hopes to follow in the footsteps of another star from Sault Ste. Marie named Michael Amadio, who forged a memorable junior career in North Bay topped off by an impressive 50-goal, 98-point campaign with the Troops in 2015-16.    

"I thought he did a very good job with the Battalion bringing them far into the playoffs and being a 'legend' for them," Campbell said about Amadio who is currently playing for the Los Angeles Kings.  

"I want to have success like him, and I think that is something I can achieve. He was a very complete player too; he's a 200 foot player."