Hillis: 'I've worked towards this my whole life'

MONTREAL - After a rollercoaster year, Cam Hillis has every reason to smile.

The countless hours of hard work have officially paid off for the 19-year-old centerman.

The Guelph Storm captain agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract (2020-21 to 2022-23) with the Canadiens on Tuesday.

Hillis had been eagerly anticipating the moment since being selected in the third round, 66th overall, in the 2018 NHL Draft.

"It's a relief. I've worked towards this my whole life, and to see it kind of happen now is a really special feeling for me," said Hillis. "It's the most storied franchise in hockey ever, and to put pen to paper with Montreal, there isn't any other team I'd want to be with. I'm just super grateful they've given me this opportunity."

One year ago to the day, Hillis and the Storm claimed the OHL championship over the Ottawa 67's. Unfortunately, the Oshawa, ON native participated in just two playoff games due to injury.

Hillis dealt with a rib injury, a knee injury, and two consecutive injuries to his clavicle. That limited him to just 33 appearances during the regular season.

But he's pleased to see just how far he came one year later.

"It's a really special moment for me. Last year was a tough year. Our team did so well, and I was so happy for the guys that we ended up winning the championship. But a lot can happen in a year," stressed Hillis. "I put in a ton of work, and I made great strides in my development, on and off the ice. I'm just super happy to kind of come full circle here in one year that I was able to sign with Montreal today."

Hillis came back strong this season, finishing 12th in the OHL scoring race with 24 goals and 83 points in 62 games.

His efforts were recognized in a coaches' poll conducted amongst the League's bench bosses. He ranked in the top three in his division for best playmaker (3rd), best defensive forward (3rd), and best center in the faceoff circle (3rd).

He points to his teammates for helping him make his mark, though.

"It was a special honor for me to be named in those categories, but I think my teammates helped me get into that position as well," mentioned Hillis. "You can only take so much credit for that. But I was happy with the way I played this year. The biggest thing for me is to not be satisfied and content with where I am, and just keep pushing forward and making strides in my development."

Slightly bitter

Like many leagues around the globe, the OHL has already announced the cancellation of the 2019-20 campaign.

Guelph was in a good spot before the pause, ranking sixth in the Western Conference - and they were already assured of a playoff berth.

Admittedly, Hillis liked his squad's postseason chances.

"It's a little frustrating because of the team we had this year and just the way we surprised a lot of teams and never backed down. I think we could've done some serious damage in the playoffs. We had one of the best goaltenders in the CHL and we had a great group that was resilient all year. I think we could've turned some heads in the playoffs," he explained. "But this thing's bigger than hockey, and the number one priority is safety and making sure everyone is well. It's frustrating, but it's understandable at the same time."

With his season in the rearview mirror, Hillis has already begun his summer training regimen. The 5'11" and 174-pound forward is grinding away on home turf.

"I've been in contact with the strength coach in Montreal and they've been helping me out with some workouts. The biggest thing for me is strength right now," he mentioned. "So just continuing to work on that. I've been at the track a lot, too, working on my speed workouts."

Hillis is also in contact with another member of the Canadiens. His former Storm teammate, Nick Suzuki, congratulated him after he signed with the big club.

"Nick messaged me this morning. He's a great guy, and hopefully I can play with him down the road," concluded Hillis.