| Cam Lund | Green Bay Gamblers | USHL | R | C | 6’2″ | 185 | Northeastern | 2022 | Bridgewater, MA | 2004 | 2021-2022: B- |
USHL: Green Bay Gamblers vs Chicago Steel, March 8, 2022: Scored a goal early in the second period what would become the game winning goal. A simple goal from the forward showing honest hockey habits in front of the net. The big man noticed the puck went from low to high which was his cue to get to the blue paint and cause a distraction for the goalie. He got his stick out and showed good hand eye coordination getting a tip on it in the high slot. Lund is at his best when he’s doing this, getting to the dirty areas mixing it up and making it hard for the other team to defend. B+
USHL: Chicago Steel vs Green Bay Gamblers, January 12, 2022: Effective skater, who weaves in and out of traffic by changing the angle of his body and hands. Quick steps and crossovers to get going, which he then can take defenders wide. Once getting into the offensive zone, can put his shoulder down and drive to the net hard. Creates offence by getting shots on the net and throwing pucks into areas with lots of traffic. The 2nd goal of the game scored by the Gamblers was a great example of Lund going to the net hard with his stick on the ice. Lund used his speed (without the puck) to sneak behind the defenders to the back post, had his stick on the ice, and tucked the puck past an outstretched goaltender. B+
USHL: Green Bay vs Youngstown Phantoms, November 20, 2021: In the 7-2 loss to Youngstown Lund earned 17:22 in total ice time, including 4:40 while on the power play. He did not kill penalties. Statistically he scored 1 goal, was -1, had 5 shots on goal (4PP), 4 grade “A” scoring chances, went 1 for 1 on face-offs, had 2 hits and 6 giveaways versus 1 takeaway. Again was on right wing. We noticed a lot of bouncing rolling pucks and we noted multiple times that Lund was able to handle a rolling puck, settle it while in traffic and give a teammate a flat pass that was easy to handle. He played with pace all night and was very good at generating speed as the puck with a powerful cross-under when coming out of the cycle. Lund looked strong through contact and showed more awareness while defending in the neutral zone by not giving up the lines so easily. Lund scored again as a result of a fortunate bounce off an opponent, but what we liked was what happened before the goal. He won a 50/50 in the corner by out muscling a defender and doing tight turn to protect the puck. His body positioning and strength allowed the Gambler’s power play to set up which eventually led to his even strength goal.
USHL: Green Bay Gamblers vs Cedar Rapids Rough Riders, November 13, 2021: In the 5-3 loss to Cedar Rapids Lund earned 15:52 in total ice time, including 2:21 while on the power play. He did not kill penalties. Statistically he 2 goals, was +1, had 2 hots on goal (1PP), 1 grade “A” scoring opportunity, 2 minutes in penalties, 1 hit, 1 blocked shot and 4 giveaways versus 1 takeaway. First thing we notice is that Lund is playing right wing rather than center, and he looks very comfortable in neutral transition and puck pursuit. Second thing we notice, Lund looks dramatically stronger and more confident heading into the corners and initiating contact. His first goal may have been the result of a fortunate bounce off an opponent’s skate, but prior to the shot Lund showed good awareness by escaping into the quiet area in the high slot. His second goal however was the result of speed, handling a hard pass and driving wide past a defender before roofing it on his way to the far post. It was exactly the type of goal we expect him to score. This was a game where Lund’s offensive confidence can blossom.
USHL: Green Bay Gamblers vs Madison Capitols, October 30, 2021: In the 4-2 loss to the Capitols Lund earned 19:22 in total ice time, including 4:24 while on the power play. Statistically he finished with zero points, was minus 1, 3 shots on goal (2PP), 1 grade “A” scoring chance (1PP), won 11 of 19 face-offs and had 6 giveaways versus to 3 takeaways. Offensively Lund was a catalyst while on the power play. He shot for rebounds, fired a one-timer off a hard pass and genuinely looked comfortable slowing the game down or speeding it up. As always his high end speed allowed him to bifurcate the defenders whether it be on a line rush or generating an opportunity off a mid-wall seam off of the cycle.
USHL: Green Bay Gamblers vs Chicago Steel, October 22, 2021: In the 2-1 win over Chicago Lund earned 15:30 in total ice time including 2:30 while on the power play. Statistically he finished with zero points, an even plus/minus, 5 shots on goal (1PP), 4 grade “A” scoring (2PP), 1 minor penalty for a stick slash, won 6 of 12 face-offs and had 4 giveaways versus 2 takeaways. Offensively Lund created scoring opportunities from the cycle or by using his speed to generate time and space for himself or his linemates. There is no doubt that he can find the passing seams while on the power play and that he is an offensive asset for the Gamblers.
USHL: Green Bay Gamblers vs Dubuque Fighting Saints, October 15, 2021: In the 5-2 loss to Dubuque Lund earned 12:37 in total ice time including 1:02 while on the power play. Statistically he finished with zero points, was minus 1, had 1 shot on goal, had 1 shot attempt blocked, won 7 of 11 face-offs and had 2 giveaways versus 3 takeaways. Offensively we know how Lund survives so we were focusing for improved defensive play and awareness. Immediately we noticed more patience in defensive zone coverage. He still looked to pounce on loose pucks, but Lund was much more cognizant of maintaining net side positioning, or not cheating to the offensive side of the scrum. We also noticed that he used his speed to backcheck to the crease to prevent a backdoor tap in and he broke up an offensive Saints’ opportunity in the high in the slot as a hard working F1 backchecker.
USHL: Green Bay Gamblers vs Des Moines Buccaneers, September 24, 2021: In the 6-2 loss to the Buccaneers Lund earned 16:29 in total ice time including 3:12 while on the power play. Statistically he finished with zero points, an even plus/minus, 6 shots on goal (0PP), 1 power play grade “A” scoring chance, went 3 of 10 on face-offs and had 1 giveaway versus 3 takeaways. Offensively Lund’s speed generated his line’s scoring chances. The puck does not slow him down and we feel Des Moines’ defenders were hesitant to play a tight gap on him for fear of being beaten wide. When cycling Lund showed the power and core strength to separate from a defender and attack the net or find an open passing lane to a line mate in the high slot. He did a good job of using his point men and then beating his man to the net looking for rebound opportunities. Defensively Lund has a tendency to wander looking for loose pucks. We feel this a bad habit that is correctable through the consistent coaching he will receive in Green Bay this year.
USHL: Green Bay Gamblers vs Waterloo Black Hawks, September 23, 2021: In the 5-3 win over Waterloo Lund earned 15:54 in total ice time including 2:29 while on the power play. Statistically he finished plus 1 with 1 assist, 3 shots on goal (2PP), 1 grade “A” scoring chance that came off an offensive blue line grey area turnover that turned into a quick 1 on1 where he faked forehand to a backhand shot, 1 minor penalty, went 8 of 12 on face-offs and had 3 giveaways versus 4 takeaways. Lund was at his best in space. He is a dynamic skater who showed explosiveness and speed in transition. Defensively Lund will improve as the year progresses, but all in all we view today’s effort as positive to start to his rookie season.
Hlinka Gretzky Cup: U18 Team USA vs Team Sweden, August 3, 2021: In the 5-3 loss to Team Sweden Lund earned 10:40 in total ice time including 3:38 of power play time. Statistically he finished minus 3, with 4 shots on goal (all PP), 2 power play grade “A” scoring opportunities (1 missed the net high and wide, the other was blocked) and had 5 giveaways versus 2 takeaways. Although he did look comfortable while being the low man in defensive coverage, Lund primarily played the wing and the left point / off-wing on the power play. Simply put, on the big ice Lund is a weapon. He used his speed to be an effective F1 on the forecheck and on more than one occasion he forced a Swedish player into a mental mistake because he was on them so quickly. The game was fairly disjointed because of all of the special teams play, but Lund was noticeable presence as the shooter on Team USA’s first power play unit.
USA Hockey Selects 17’s, July 14, 2021: Cam was all over the ice and the score sheet in Buffalo. He had the puck a lot and was dangerous every second he had possession. He dragged, twisted, curled, burned and bullied his way by opponents. He seemed at times to be able to get to the net at will. His play without the puck has improved and he had good service that led to quality chances. He hunted pucks on the forecheck and hammered opponents all over the ice. He played with a mean streak. That afforded him even more space as he drove the net constantly with and without the puck. His reach, speed and strength made him too much to handle for most of the defense here. His handles were smooth/quick/tricky and his stride was smooth. His chest was up and that allowed him even more vision than most. He is authentically athletic. He scored with wicked wristers. His release was quick on every shot. He scored by crashing the net. He lived around the net and often used it to shake and confuse defenders. He forced people into shifts. He set up in Gretzky’s office and used his reach to feed the slot or try to wrap around. He used his points and won a lot of battles down low. His game was quality in his end as he won key faceoffs and hit to defend. Cam was fantastic at this event. He played with pace, was dangerous all over the ice and was tough with a high compete. One of the very best players here. NZ/USA All-Star and Hlinka Selection. Grade: A
MA Festival: Top 100 2004s, 2005s, 2006s, June 9, 2021: What more can be said about Cam beyond the fact that he simply dominated within this age group from beginning to finish in this Festival setting. Starting off play for the Gray team before he got to the All-Star Game he was an absolute menace offensively and it was tough to contain him. He’s creative on the attack and has great acceleration ability coming from a standstill. Defenders were caught flat-footed multiple times and he was able to use his edges in order to make sharp cuts and give himself more time and space to operate. When he got to the All-Star Game he turned up the dial to another level and played at full tilt hockey for the entire game. He was consistently dangerous because he was both taking the top off the defense and he was a threat to shoot from anywhere. It’s also worth noting that he had the hardest shot we saw on the day: he possesses an absolute howitzer. He was fully engaged in this All-Star Game delivering a massive hit and using his speed on the backcheck, beyond just making things happen offensively. He was looking to find open teammates and delivered sizzling passes that hit them right on the tape. This was the best that we have seen Lund in his career and he will be poised to do more damage in Amherst. National Camp Selection. Grade: A+
NCDC: Boston Jr. Bruins vs South Shore Kings, December 6, 2020: The recently committed 2004 was flying. His top speed generated space on the line rush and it was very obvious that the King’s defenders were very nervous about being beaten wide. Cam ran the mid-wall on the power play and showed the ability to find the weakside defenseman crashing the back door. after pulling pucks off the wall. His speed through the neutral zone was overwhelming.
QMJHL: American Entry Draft, June 17, 2020: Moncton Wildcats-Cameron is a player that I like while others love. He played as a younger player for a good Cushing team. His size is a real strength and there are times he looks to need to grow into his body a bit. We had him rated as our 7th best uncommitted player at the NE Prep Finals. Here is what we said: The 2004 is a well-known player in the Massachusetts area and has made a nice adjustment to NE Prep hockey. His stride and glide are very good. Gets to top speed quickly and drives the puck up ice with pace. He is still thin and young and will add strength. He must get to the net more consistently. He will have plenty of attention from colleges soon. Nice upside as his positives are things you can’t teach and his negatives are due to his age. Murph’s Take: Cam is big and strong. He had a very good year and showed he could move pucks and extend possession with his reach. He almost averaged a point a game at the Prep level and that is really impressive. I saw Cushing play a few times and he never jumped out at me. He can shoot it and plays hard hunting pucks. Some slick element but left me wanting a bit more. Other scouts have him rated a bit higher. He was our 86th ranked 2004. I like the pick as Moncton is a desirable landing spot for New England players and I sense that more players are understanding the CHL route. Ian’s Take: Cam is a big strong kid who can really skate. He’s a natural centerman who had an excellent year for Cushing after participating in the 2004 National Camp last summer.
N.E. Prep: Groton-Lawrence Holiday Tournament, January 2020: The 2004 is a long right-shot that is still filling out. He uses a good first step and a long reach to protect the puck and find space. He maintains speed through a good glide in the offensive zone. Drives the puck wide and pulls-up to find a trailing forward. Good along the walls in the offensive zone. Will need to get stronger so that he is tougher to play against at this level, but he was consistently noticeable and has a large amount of upside. Grade: B
USA Hockey Select 15 Development Camp, August 24, 2019: Cam is long and smooth. He uses his reach to create mismatches while on the cycle and to protect the puck when he attacks the net. He carries the puck confidently through the neutral zone and has the ability to change speeds. Cam is poised on the off-wing where we saw him gain the blueline with speed forcing the defender to back off allowing him cut to the scoring area in an Ovechkin type manner. This tournament’s point total does not reflect the skill level Cam showed. He has a quick release and shoots to score. We would like to see him go to the scoring areas with more authority because once he is there defenders did not move him. As a power play net front presence his hand eye coordination made him a weapon. He routinely got his stick on tricky point shots and had two crossbody backhand tips against Team Navy. When he stops and starts he is a natural penalty killer who has the potential to get short handed opportunities. Grade: B-
Mass Festival 2004s, May 16, 2019: Lund played the center role effectively in this evaluation setting and had no fear as he was coming up the ice. He played well in small area situations looking to dish off pucks with subtle backhands or no look forehand passes. As he was going on the defensive he did a nice job of protecting the middle of the ice to prevent obvious passing lanes from developing into an odd-man rush. One of his nice centering feeds led to a goal but he also put himself in scoring position in front of the net for an easy tap-in on Sunday. Nice outing for him overall. Grade: B
U14: USA Hockey Nationals, April 30, 2019: Lund fired a hard wrister home in traffic on the last day. He is long and stayed around the play. The puck seemed to find him and he moved to very good spots. Long reach and could overpower smaller defensemen. He picked up two goals and an assist. We liked that he wasn’t flashy but was able to produce and create by making smart plays to smart spots. He has skill, can shoot it and is a decent skater but his ability to think the game is his biggest strength. That will translate to upper levels.
U14: Eastern Exposure Cup, November 2018: Cam was good here- he has very high IQ and sees the ice- got to play on a line with Callow and Stenberg which is a major asset. He does a really good job at the little things, finding time and space to get the puck. His feet are just OK but good hand and skill set. Grade: B+
U14: Tier 1 Labor Day Tournament, September 7, 2018: Lund has decent size at this age looking to be close to 5’8. He can certainly add on to his frame at this stage but we like his ability to curl in the offensive zone and find additional space and time. He was able to keep the offense rolling by opening up better passing lanes by maintaining possession and finding the open man. His vision to find a teammate through small openings was difficult to defend all weekend.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
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