Published October 15, 2014 | Trenton Trib

By Brian Rzeppa

    After an impressive three-year career at Trenton High School that included two State Championship rings and a Mr. Hockey award, Cam Wojtala has decided to continue on and venture into the professional game.

     Last month, Wojtala came to an agreement with the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL. The Grizzlies are an affiliate of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks.

His decision to sign with the Salt Lake City-based team was rather easy, as it seemed like the perfect opportunity for both sides.

     “They offered a contract and it seemed to be a good fit between what I thought and what my agent thought as well,” Wojtala said.

     This signing is coming off the heels of his graduation from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, where he was captain of the team for his final two years. He’ll look to build off of his stay there, where he totaled 68 points.

     “Everything is to be decided still,” Wojtala said. “(Coach Tim Branham) said that where I’ll fit in is as a second- or third-line center, where I’ll concentrate on the defensive end but also chip offensively. So it also was a good fit there.”

     There will certainly be some adjustments to be made in jumping from the collegiate to the professional level, but he appears to be ready for everything that will be brought to the table.

     “I just think that pro hockey is a different animal when it comes to the hockey world,” he said. “It’s a little more cutthroat, and there’s a business aspect to it as well compared to college where there’s a four-year commitment.”

     Along with the change of pace of the game, he’ll also have to develop some chemistry with his new teammates. Up to this point, Wojtala hasn’t ever played with anyone currently on the team.

     “I’ve played against a goalie from Lake Superior, but that’s as far as it goes,” he said.

     Aside from the obvious learning curve that will take place with any big change like this one, Wojtala has his sights set on growing as a player and helping the team win in the process.

     “I just hope to improve my game individually and make a positive impact on the team and have a successful season that way as well,” he said.

     With Wojtala’s signing professionally, this adds yet another great story to come out of the historic Trenton hockey program.

     “Playing at Trenton was a great stepping-stone,” Wojtala said. Playing for Coach Turner and at the high school, I was able to learn a lot. Coach Turner helped guide me through the junior process and the college process and he was a great resource to have throughout the entire time.”