Centering connection in hockey and taking an inside look at what has defined success, beyond the ice.

Born and raised in Charlottetown PEI, Cam Squires played minor hockey in the Charlottetown Minor Hockey Association for the Charlottetown Abbeys. He played along many of his friends, creating some of the best hockey memories. Cam moved away from home for the first time at the age of 15 to Rochester, New York, and played at Bishop Kearney Selects Prep School. At 16, Squires returned to Canada, beginning his QMJ career, which has taken off during his three seasons with the Cape Breton Eagles. Cam considers Cape Breton to be a second home, and he credits the community for welcoming him with open arms. It is because of this that Cam feels passionate about doing his part and helping in the community, especially if it means he can be a role model for many young hockey players. In 2023, Cam was named the QMJ Humanitarian of the Year. Not only did he put up impressive numbers on the ice, but he also made a significant impact in the community. Cam selected the Boys and Girls Club of Cape Breton as his charity of choice and thus created the Squires Squad. He donated season tickets to the Youth Non-profit Charity, which allowed families to attend the Eagles home games. Cam has also volunteered his time at the club to provide a mentorship service, and even organized a ball hockey tournament that engaged the community.

Beyond the Ice is a podcast by Cape Breton University Researchers exploring coaches training and approaches in relationship building, effective communication practices, and leadership skills to improve confidence, enhance motivation and collective performance. Having conversations with coaches, players, parents, and hockey operation staff – taking an inside look at what has defined success, beyond the ice.

Hosts:

Dr. Lynn LeVatte (lynn_levatte@cbu.ca) (Lead Researcher) (Education Department, Cape Breton University)

Sarah MacRae (sarah_macrae@cbu.ca) (Department of Communication and Languages, Cape Breton University)

Dr. Kristin O'Rourke (kristin_orourke@cbu.ca) (Education Department, Cape Breton University)

Shaun Ranni (shaun_ranni@cbu.ca) (Department of Experiential Studies in Community and Sport)