Cam Janssen - Interview
By: Rob Way
OHLTG:If I’m not mistaken, you’re the first kid ever to play in the O from St. Louis, MO. What’s the minor hockey system like down there?
Cam: It’s not a “hotbed”, but it’s getting there. A lot of new, young talent is brewing in St. Louis. Hockey in St. Louis is getting better and better.
OHLTG: When you were drafted by Windsor, did you know much about the city, the arena, and the fans?
Cam: No. I knew almost nothing about Windsor or the OHL. All I had heard about Windsor was that the fans were crazy and there were good strip clubs. After having played there, I can tell you that the fans are the best and nuttiest in the League - can’t comment on the strip clubs though!
OHLTG: One of the big sells for you to come and play in Windsor, I would think, was Tom Webster. Tell us
about your relationship with Tommy.
Cam: Tommy believed in me…as he did all of the other rookies. But, I think I stuck out to him because of my honest effort and my willingness to do anything to win a game. Also, I don’t think he minded all 37 of my tilts either.
OHLTG: Right off the bat, it was clear that you were going to be a fan favourite in Windsor. How did that make you feel? Any extra pressure?
Cam: No, I don’t think there was any extra pressure. In fact, it made me feel great and motivated me more than anything else. It gave me that adrenaline rush you can’t get anywhere else.
OHLTG: After a super rookie season, you were drafted (even though you weren’t rated by Central Scouting) in the fourth round to New Jersey. Did you know something was in the works or did it come as a shock?
Cam: No, it was not a complete shock. My agent (Scott Norton) had been pumping me up for months telling me not to worry about any scouting reports because he had a good feeling from the scouts. I knew someone was going to take a chance on me after all the meetings that Scott had set up for me with teams. I just didn’t know what round or to what team I would go. I am happy about how it turned out.
OHLTG: Then, just a short while later, the Devils went ahead and signed you to your first two-way professional contract. Tell us how that made you feel!
Cam: Well, I was speechless at first. I did not believe my agent when he first called me. I was not even aware that they could sign me so quickly after the draft. I did not know a lot back then but then I realized New Jersey’s got a place for me.
OHLTG: In your second season, 2002/03, your point total took a definite step back. Why do you think that was?
Cam: No excuses for it really. I think I wanted to be the heavyweight champ back then and put on a show more than play the game. Everyone has set backs. I’d rather my setbacks be in my junior career instead of my NHL career.
OHLTG: This past year (2003/04) you were dealt at the trading deadline from Windsor to Guelph. Was it as big a shock for you as it was for the fans?
Cam: Biggest shock of my life! Nobody knew I was getting traded until Mike Kelly called my agent to get approval because I had to waive my “No Trade” clause. My buddies from St. Louis were up visiting and I left the day after they arrived. They were stranded in Windsor without me. Ha Ha!
OHLTG: Going to Guelph, winning the OHL Championship, playing in the Memorial Cup - that’s quite a turnaround compared to how your Windsor team finished the season (first round loss to London). Could you therefore say the trade to the Storm was the best thing ever to happen to you in hockey?
Cam: That trade was great for my career and me. I don’t think I can say it was the best thing to ever happen since I think being drafted and signed by a great franchise like New Jersey would be #1. I knew I was going to miss my fans and teammates in Windsor, but it was well worth it. Guelph has great fans and bars as well!
OHLTG: Next season, if there is an NHL lockout as expected, do you hope to play in the AHL or would you rather spend an OA season in the OHL?
Cam: I love the OHL and I am going to miss it, but I don’t think the league could handle me for another year. I think I need to move on to another level.
OHLTG: How much hockey fighting did you do in St. Louis, prior to coming to the OHL?
Cam: My last season in St. Louis, I played for the Sting in the NAHL. When I was 16, I fought around 35 times in that League. I definitely knew how to take a punch after that season.
OHLTG: Upon your arrival in Windsor, did you speak with any of the team’s other fighters, like Brett Angel for example, to pick up a few pointers or pieces of advice?
Cam: Yes, I talked to a number of guys a little bit, but for the most part, I just went out and winged it. I knew I was tough and that I would learn to fight as the year went on.
OHLTG: Early on you tried to make a name for yourself by going with some of the league’s biggest, toughest dudes; guys like Sean McMorrow and Brian McGrattan. Didn’t anybody tell you to start small and work your way up from there?
Cam: No, not really. I knew that I had a big ego and a big mouth, so whoever I chirped I knew that I would have to back it up.
OHLTG: As a rookie, you had 30+ fights against basically everyone worth fighting. Which one or two bouts stand out the most for you now?
Cam: I had a lot of good fights, but I think my favorites were the ones right at the start of games against London’s Chris Bain. The fans really got pumped up about those.
OHLTG: In your second season, without a doubt, your biggest home ice rumble was with Jake Gilmour of the Belleville Bulls. In that fight you nailed big Jake with three or four clean haymakers. Were you amazed that he didn’t hit the ice?
Cam: Considering he has a bigger melon than I did, I knew that it would be tough to knock him down unless I had a sledgehammer. Unfortunately, I did not bring one to the fight.
OHLTG: This past year you fought all comers again. One new face late in the season was London’s Brandon Prust. Tell us about your two fights with him!
Cam: If you ask any of the London fans about our first go, they would probably tell you that I ended up in a body bag (yeah right!). But, I respect the kid and I like him as well. I got him back later on, in a couple of ways - OHL Champions!
OHLTG: After a debatable loss against Owen Sound’s Adam Smyth early in the season, you more than made up for it with a very impressive TKO win in the rematch. Was that the best left hand you’ve ever landed?
Cam: Nah. One time I got pissed and threw a left bomb, probably the hardest one ever. Unfortunately, it was against the wall in my bathroom. Yeah, my dad was pissed at me.
OHLTG: Heading into pro hockey, do you think at your size, you will be able to remain a heavyweight fighter, or will you need to maybe become more of a middleweight agitator?
Cam: Ha Ha! I think that I will be able to take on all comers. Considering I spent over $8,000 on mixed martial arts training and boxing 5 days a week..yeah, my fighting technique is just about as lethal as it can possibly be.
OHLTG: Give us your thoughts on these five opponents: Mike Amodeo, Bill Kinkel, Zack Stortini, Danny Bois, and Chris Bain.
Cam:
Amodeo - cool guy, we had some good ones, bad suspension
Kinkel - great guy, I roomed with him in Jersey at camp, we had a blast…kind of a pretty boy though..Ha Ha, sorry William!
Bois - tough competitor, but he likes to choose his battles, wish he had not gotten suspended for the semi-final round
Bain - cool kid, we had some good tilts. I pretty much made a name for myself as a result of all the fights with him my rookie season.
Stortini - hmmmm, uhhhh, who? No comment. We have the same agent so I can’t really say, but he is a tough kid who lets say we have a mutual dislike for each other..I look forward to seeing him in the pros!
OHLTG: Hypothetically speaking, is there any one fighter out there, still playing or maybe even retired now, that you would just love to get your hands on, that you would just love to try out?
Cam: Tie Domi! I can’t wait! It will be a good one..trust me.
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