ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Wilmette native Cameron Rowe’s had an unforgettable month:
He helped Western Michigan win their first national title. Shortly after he signed an Amateur Tryout (ATO) contract with the Rockford IceHogs, which is his first shot with a pro hockey team.
Rowe cheered for the Chicago Blackhawks growing up in the northern suburbs of Chicago. But little did he know he will sign an ATO with the team’s AHL affiliate.
“Since day one I’ve been here I’ve been really thankful to be here,” said Rowe. “Hometown kid. For me it was pretty awesome to get that phone call and uh pretty easy decision.”
The 23-year-old goalie found himself in Rockford just days after propelling the Western Michigan Broncos to their first NCAA National Championship. He had eight shutouts and a .907 save percentage in 123 games with Wisconsin and Western Michigan.
“My dad plays beer league at Johnny’s Icehouse and his buddies are texting me like hometown hero,” said Rowe.
Rowe’s road to playing professional hockey is similar to other goalies, which is one reason he said he never lost hope.
“It sucked going through draft years and not getting picked but playing college hockey i knew it would get me there and it has.”
The team giving him an amateur tryout contract has a pair of familiar faces. Rowe and Drew Commesso were teammates on the National Team Development Program (NTDP). There’s also Aidan Thompson who was one of Rowe’s opponents in the Frozen Four.
“He’s been quiet but he’s doing the work and acting like a pro so he’s been a good addition,” said IceHogs Head Coach Mark Eaton.
Between a national championship and a contract, Rowe said he’s grateful for what he’s accomplished and looks forward to this new journey.
“I don’t think it’s luck. It’s opportunity,” said Rowe. “When I put the jersey on when I dressed on Saturday and it had the Hawks patch on the side it was pretty cool. I’m enjoying every second of it.”
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