Kyler Campbell is a two-sport student-athlete attending Albertus Magnus College, a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 3 in New Haven Connecticut, returning for his second and sophomore year.
Campbell was born and grew up in Huntsville playing multiple sports throughout his youth.
He competed in basketball, soccer, and field lacrosse for Huntsville High School and played all his minor hockey in Huntsville from Timbits to the Jr C Huntsville Otters. After his first season in Jr C, he moved to Sudbury to continue playing hockey at the Jr A level in Sudbury. Named captain in his final year, statistically, he finished in the top five scorers in the Northern Ontario Junior League.
As a result of his on-ice success and excellent academic standing, he was heavily recruited by NCAA hockey programs throughout the US. Many factors such as the strength of hockey and academic programs, coaching, and scholarship funding led Campbell to choose Albertus Magnus College and the Business Management Program in New Haven.
Campbell, a freshman, had to be patient to earn a spot in the starting lineup. The hockey program was ranked consistently in the top 20 teams in the country with eight senior forwards on the team. In January he scored in the first period, in his first game, and never looked back. He became a major contributor on the ice for the remainder of the season.
After the hockey season ended, on a whim he decided to try out for the NCAA D3 lacrosse team and made the team as a ‘walk-on.’ Unfortunately, in only his second game he tore his ACL and meniscus and underwent major reconstructive knee surgery in early April.
Upon returning home in mid-May, he has been rigorously attending physiotherapy at Reactivate Muskoka in hopes of returning to the ice sometime this season. Ultimately, that decision will be made by his Orthopedic Surgeon and team training staff in Connecticut.
“I am really focused on getting healthy and back to the sport I love, whenever that may be. Whatever happens, I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds,” said Campbell.
Campbell excelled in the classroom as well. He made the school’s Dean’s List and was also recognized as an All-American Scholar by the American Hockey Coaches Association.
He attributes his success to the opportunities provided to him by growing up in a smaller town like Huntsville. “I was very fortunate to have excellent teachers and coaches at all levels. From Montessori to St Mary’s and Huntsville High School, I was lucky enough to have some great mentors and role models.” He said those opportunities might not have presented themselves if he had lived in a larger town or city.
Campbell just returned to school in New Haven and is eagerly awaiting the challenges ahead.
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