As the Canmore Eagles prepare to open their 2014-15 Alberta Junior Hockey League training camp on Monday, August 25, the only certainty surrounding this year’s camp is the fact that they will be on the look-out for a new goaltender for the upcoming season.
Although still eligible for one more season of Junior hockey, 20-year-old veteran Cameron Barnes has decided to pack up his goalie equipment and pursue his education at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna next season.
In his three years manning the Eagle’s goal crease, Barnes recorded an overall record of 30-45-5 and sported a save percentage of .884
With the emergence of rookie goaltender Ryan Ferguson, who earned a spot on the AJHL’s Southern Division All-Star team and All-Rookie team last season, Barnes knew his playing time was probably going to be limited this season and understood that it was a probably an appropriate time to move forward with his educational aspirations.
“It was an awesome three years in Canmore and I have absolutely no regrets about my time spent there,” said the likable Barnes. “I would like to thank the entire Eagle’s organization and my billet families for all the great times and wish them well in the future. The team made a lot of progress in my three years in Canmore and it was great place to go to school and play Junior hockey. I learned a lot about life and made a lot of good friends. I’ll certainly be cheering them on from Kelowna.”
“Cam Barnes certainly played a significant role in the recent success of our hockey team,” said Eagle’s Head Coach and General Manager Andrew Milne. “It wasn’t always easy for Cam, but he never backed away from a challenge and always showed great maturity throughout his career with the Eagles. He won a lot of big games for us over the years and I wish him nothing but the best going forward.”