Columbus Blue Jackets Play Big Role in World Championship Opener

Columbus Blue Jackets played a big role in the USA vs Canada game to open the IIHF World Championships.

American hero Cam Atkinson. If that’s what all Columbus Blue Jackets fans could start referring to the artist formerly known as Camsanity as, would be great.

In the opening game of the 2018 IIHF World Championships Cam Atkinson became the American hero we need when he scored the only two shootout goals to lead the Red, White, and Blue to victory. The 5-4 OT win over rival Canada puts the Americans in a great spot to advance through group play unscathed.

Cam was the first shooter for Team USA and he delivered. Coming at an incredible rate of speed deked forehand, backhand, and then when coming to an abrupt stop, went forehand and potted the first goal of the shootout.

Jonathan Eberle answered for the Canadians to make it 1-1. The rest of the shootout attempts failed and after five rounds on each sides, the score was still tied.

Then Columbus Blue Jackets winger and new American Hero, Cam Atkinson, stepped back on the ice. He delivered a beautiful backhand winner for Team USA.

Cam not only delivered the game winning goal but added an assist in regulation. After the game Cam talked about how his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets prepared him.

"I was ready for the opportunity (with the penalty shots). I usually shoot in Columbus so I am happy that they gave me the opportunity. Luckily it all worked out."

It was a big game for Cam and he wasn’t the only Columbus Blue Jackets player to step up. Pierre-Luc Dubois opened the scoring in the first period for the Canadians. Enjoy the CBJ rookie scoring with Swedish commentary.

Ryan Murray and Sonny Milano also played in the game but didn’t show up on the scorers sheet. Murray played well and made some good plays that led to opportunities for Team Canada. Sonny played less than two minutes in the entire game.