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Former Humboldt Bronco Graysen Cameron thrilled to join Optimist Chiefs coaching staff

Jun 14, 2018 | 12:52 PM

A local player who was injured in the tragic bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos is returning to Red Deer as a coach.

Graysen Cameron is joining the Red Deer Optimist Chiefs as an assistant coach for the upcoming Alberta Midget Hockey League season.

The 19-year-old Olds native played with the Optimist Chiefs from 2015 to 2017 before joining the Broncos.

Doug Quinn is returning as head coach of the Optimist Chiefs for 2018-19, along with his stable of assistant coaches which includes Pete Friedstat, Rob Hamill, Mike Moller, Al Parada and Stephen Pattison.

Parada says they are very excited to have Cameron coming on board. 

“We thought it would just be a nice fit having a younger guy, maybe more of a liaison between the players and us,” said Parada. “He’s a very cerebral player who understands the game very well. Not only do I think he’ll be good for coaching, but coaching will be good for him.”

Cameron says it was a no-brainer to take them up on their offer.

“I jumped on that opportunity as fast as I could. I was very excited, and happy to hear they wanted me,” he admitted.

Cameron says playing for the Optimist Chiefs was one of the best hockey experiences he’s ever had.

“It was definitely some of the best coaching I’ve ever received. I’m just happy to be able to coach with that high calibre of a staff.”

Cameron says he doesn’t necessarily intend to serve as a source of inspiration for the Optimist Chiefs, but if that’s what happens he’s quite alright with it.

“It’ll be good for the team if they rally because of that. It’s not going to be something I talk a lot about, but if it inspires the boys that’ll be awesome.”

Instead, Cameron feels the team will draw greater motivation in playing for Ryan McBeath, a fellow Olds native and former teammate of his, who passed away following a collision near Torrington earlier this year.

“That’ll be the biggest source of inspiration, for sure. Hopefully, the guys will take that and go win a championship.”

Cameron has come a long way with his recovery from the April 6 crash that claimed 16 lives. Everyone remembers the powerful picture of him holding hands with two of his teammates while in hospital during the hours that followed tragic event.

“I’m still at the recover stage for another couple of weeks. Then I go back for another check-up with the surgeon and then hopefully get cleared to start rehab and get back into shape.”

He’s trying as best he can to return to a normal life, though he admits being recognized and receiving well wishes while out and about in Olds and Red Deer has been nice.

Cameron will return to Humboldt to attend the Broncos home opener this fall before focusing his attention on his Chiefs coaching duties. He’s also considering taking a class or two at RDC next year.