FUTURE WATCH: Cameron Hebig

EDMONTON, AB - Cameron Hebig is the poster boy for adversity. The 21-year-old Saskatoon, SK, product signed with the Oilers as a free agent on Dec. 28, 2017, having recovered from a head injury stemming from the previous season. Originally a member of his hometown Saskatoon Blades, Hebig has since been traded to the Regina Pats in a move to help the club contend in the 2018 Memorial Cup, which Regina is hosting. EdmontonOilers.com caught up with the forward to talk about the adversity he's faced in his career, signing with the Oilers and more.

Cameron, take me through the last little bit of your career from playing with your hometown Saskatoon Blades to overcoming your injury and then signing with the Oilers.
"I was 16 with the Saskatoon Blades. It was so cool to be able to play for my hometown team. I was grateful for that opportunity. They were a great organization and treated us so well. Last year with the injury, it was very tough on me. Facing that adversity was tough but the Blades were great through it all. I came back this year and was looking to prove myself again. Looking forward to getting back onto the ice to have a strong year. The Blades traded me to a contender team. I'm so excited to be traded to Regina because it's such a good opportunity for me. It's been a crazy year then getting signed by the Oilers. It's so cool being signed by them and then getting traded to Regina is unbelievable, so it's a great opportunity for me."
How was it facing that adversity, not even just the injury but not being drafted and then signing with an NHL team?
"It was a tough year sitting out. I always knew I'd be back and I always knew I'd put in the work to be back. That's what I did: I worked hard each day and tried to keep a positive mindset. When you go through something like it, it shows that if you work hard, you can push through and get through it. It's just going to make you stronger. That's how I looked at it. I wanted to come out this year and prove that I'm a good player and I was eager to show that I can still play. I still have a lot to prove here and I look forward to that."
No issues with the head injury anymore?
"Nope. I'm all good. I feel good and I'm glad I can put that behind me and move forward."
What are you learning about the Regina Pats so far? You've played 14 games with them and have eight goals and 16 points.
"It's been great so far. I was pumped to get traded here. It's such a good organization. They were so welcoming to me and it's just been great with the coaches and learning new systems. Also gelling with the guys. I think the coaches here have so much to offer, I just have to soak that in. And the players here, there are so many good players here. It's only going to push me. They can make me better as a player. I'm just going to soak it in here, enjoy my time here and give it everything I have."
How would you describe your game?
"I think I'm a competitive player. I work hard and I'm a smart player. I like to look after my own end first and chip in offensively. Just do everything I can to help the team win. What I've learned is that if you take care of your own first, not cheating on plays in the defensive zone and support the puck, the offence is going to come. It's about being smart and taking care of your own end.
Are you more of a shooter or playmaker?
"If the shot is there, I like to shoot the puck. But I also like to make some plays. If a guy's open, I'm going to try to make the best play that's out there."
How is Regina in terms of their preparations for hosting the Memorial Cup?
"It's been fun. I think everyone is excited about it. It's such a good opportunity for all of us in this organization here. We're looking to make the most of that. We're trying to get better each day as a team because playoffs are coming up here and we have to gel as a team with so many trades. We have to come together fast and make the most of our short time here."
I know there's lots going on this year but have you looked to next season yet and the possibility of being in Bakersfield with the Condors?
"Not really yet. I'm meeting with more people from the Oilers organization first. It's obviously a big jump. It's bigger, stronger, faster, so I just have to keep working on my game, hitting the gym and trying to develop the best I can."
Who do you know from the Oilers organization, having played with or against them?
"I'm excited to get to know the guys. I played against a few of them: Ethan Bear and Kailer Yamamoto. They're all really good players. I look forward to getting to camp and meeting them."
Image credit to Keith Hershmiller and the Regina Pats.