Dave Cameron's 1,000th OHL Game: A Testament to People Skills and Coaching Longevity
This weekend marks a significant milestone in the career of Ottawa 67's head coach Dave Cameron, as he prepares to coach his 1,000th Ontario Hockey League game. The 67-year-old native of Charlottetown, P.E.I., will achieve this feat when the 67's take to the ice at TD Place, joining an elite group of OHL coaching legends.
Joining the Ranks of OHL Legends
Cameron enters the exclusive club of coaches who have reached quadruple digits in games coached, a list that includes legendary figures like Brian Kilrea with 2,157 games, Bert Templeton with 1,735, Stan Butler with 1,716, George Burnett with 1,599, Larry Mavety with 1,514, and Marty Williamson with 1,088. London Knights coach Dale Hunter, who entered this season with 1,498 games, also belongs to this distinguished group.
A Coaching Journey Spanning Decades and Leagues
Since becoming a full-time coach in 1995, Cameron has accumulated an impressive resume that includes coaching 11 different teams across five different leagues. His professional journey includes five seasons with the Ottawa Senators, where he served as head coach for 137 games, and the past four seasons with the Ottawa 67's. This extensive experience follows a playing career that saw him compete in 168 National Hockey League games.
When reflecting on his career longevity, Cameron demonstrated characteristic humility, stating: "I've been at this for 30-plus years. There's been some good years and there's been some tough years. I'm glad there's been some tough years. It means you've been around for a while."
The Human Element: Cameron's Interpersonal Approach
What truly distinguishes Cameron's coaching career, according to those who work closely with him, is his exceptional people skills and genuine character. Norm Milley, a 67's assistant coach for seven seasons, emphasized this aspect of Cameron's approach: "The one thing I will say about Dave is, hockey aside, he's a good human being. Whenever I come into the rink, he's always asking how my family's doing, how the kids are doing. That's the first thing he talks about, my family, not hockey."
Milley further elaborated on Cameron's humble nature: "Dave is very humble. He always likes to deflect any self awards or anything. That just speaks to his character. But, for 1,000 games, that's incredible. To be able to work with him for the last few years, I've been pretty lucky, pretty fortunate, to learn from him."
Respect from Players and Peers Alike
Cameron's reputation extends beyond his coaching staff to the players he mentors. David Bedkowski, a Buffalo Sabres prospect recently acquired from the Owen Sound Attack, expressed excitement about joining a team led by what he described as a "pro" coach with Cameron's extensive background and experience.
Throughout his career, Cameron has demonstrated that coaching success isn't solely measured by championship victories. While still pursuing his first championship, he has earned respect from hockey professionals who recognize that a coach's impact extends beyond wins and losses, acknowledging that factors like injuries and unpredictable game situations often lie beyond a coach's control.
As Cameron prepares for his milestone game, the hockey community celebrates not just the numerical achievement of 1,000 games, but the human qualities that have sustained his career across three decades of professional coaching. His ability to connect with people, maintain perspective, and prioritize relationships alongside strategy has created a coaching legacy that transcends statistics and speaks to the enduring value of interpersonal skills in sports leadership.
