| 20 February 2012
In a press release today, the Boston Bruins announced the callup of Carter Camper from Providence to meet the team in St. Louis. He'll join them for practice tomorrow. But who's Carter Camper, you may be wondering? Why would the Bruins not call up someone they've drafted in the last few years, like Zach Hamill or Max Sauve or even a veteran who can fill in on the fourth line like Trent Whitfield? Who is this undrafted newbie? Out of nowhere, he's become the P-Bruins' leading scorer this year, and has lead them from last in the conference to just a point out of a playoff spot right now.
Camper and Ryan Spooner talk during a game in April 2011.
Camper is a 5'9, right-handed shot born in 1988 who can play center or wing. He's from Rocky River, Ohio (hey, another American!) and played junior hockey in the USHL with Matt Bartkowski and Colby Cohen, among others of note, for one year in 2006-2007. He lead the Stars in points his only year there, with 71. In 2007, he headed off to college at Miami of Ohio, where he played for four years. He lead the team in scoring his sophomore year, and was top-three the other three years, outstripped twice by fellow AHLer Andy Miele. Unlike Miele, however, Camper went undrafted, and signed as a free agent with Boston after his senior season, on April 5, 2011. He finished his college career second on Miami of Ohio's points and assists lists.
After Camper's three games in Providence in April, the PBruins were done, having missed the playoffs. Camper went back to school to finish up his degree, came back this year with a vengeance. He was Providence's only All-Star in Atlantic City this year, and far outstrips the rest of his team, with 38 points. Second is Josh Hennessy with 30; Craig Cunningham is next with 24. Camper also scored his first professional hat trick last weekend.
It's always good to see undrafted guys work hard to attain an NHL roster spot, and although Camper is undersized, he's proving his doubters wrong, rewarded with a callup. Interestingly enough, this will be the first time since 2009 that Camper faces off against former Boston University star Kevin Shattenkirk, when Miami of Ohio lost in the Frozen Four Championship.
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