It was a happy return for Cam Atkinson.
The Philadelphia Flyers won Thursday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, 4-1, as the Flyers salvaged one game in the three-game set.
Being that it was Military Appreciation Night at Nationwide Arena only made sense with Atkinson being back in town as he has long participated with the Force Network Fund, a charitable program created by Atkinson in support of Military and First Responders.
As it was Atkinson's first trip back to Nationwide Arena for the first time since being traded to the Flyers, he and the crowd were able to salute one another.
Crowd recognizes Cam https://t.co/GIheDMuy3l #CBJ
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 7, 2022
"That (scoreboard tribute) had all the feels," Atkinson said. "Definitely emotional, got a little choked up. I have so many great memories here and so many friends. This is my home. This is where I'm going to be in the off-season when I retire.
I couldn't have asked for anything better. It was a great turnout for sure."
The Blue Jackets honored Atkinson with the scoreboard tribute during a first period stoppage and it was only a matter of seconds after that when Eric Robinson was able to personally pay tribute to Atkinson the only way he could.
After the tribute to the original shorthanded king, a new king emerges. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/YZjw9ZKC4Q
— 1st Ohio Battery (@1stOhioBattery) April 7, 2022
A shorthanded goal at 15:06 put the Jackets ahead 1-0 and Atkinson, the Blue Jackets' all-time franchise leader in shorthanded goals with 16, was on the ice during the Flyers' power play when Robinson buried the biscuit.
"He's (Atkinson) a great teammate, number one," Robinson said. "I think the biggest thing is just having him to look up to as I entered the league. He's the type of pro you want to be. Comes to work every day and cares about the team and his teammates and the city."
Just as Atkinson was a leader with the Blue Jackets, Zach Werenski is among the veteran leaders these days and was teammates with Atkinson for five seasons.
"He's loved here and he should be," Werenski said. "He's done a lot for this organization in the city."
"I go way back to Springfield with him," head coach Brad Larsen said. "I got to see right away there was a special player inside a small package. As far as what he meant here, for the organization, I think he is completely invested. Obviously, he hasn't been shy about what he feels about Columbus.
He loves it here. He's looking to probably make it home. I think he's given a lot back to the community. He gave it on the ice. He was a tremendous player for the Blue Jackets."
Atkinson made his mark on the city of Columbus and as a Blue Jacket with many milestones in franchise history:
- Second in games played (627)
- Second in goals (213)
- Fourth in assists (189)
- Second in points (402)
- First in shorthanded goals (16)
- Second in game-winning goals (42)
