Expectations are for Campbell Arnold to be a top Western Hockey League goalie for the Spokane Chiefs.
Despite having a longer layoff because of his injury last season, Chiefs head coach Adam Maglio says that the Nanaimo native is an extremely hard worker.
“He competes extremely hard. He’s a little smaller goalie (six-feet, 180-pounds), but he’s quick and agile down low. I was really pleased with his two games this last weekend (to start the season).
Maglio sees that Arnold is in great shape, having added muscle mass and is healthy. His dedication to the game is evident.
During the off-season, Arnold focused on the small details and habits of his game – being set for pucks, being patient and beating the pass in my feet – it’s the little things the former Spokane Braves goalie says make a difference in his position.
As a rookie last season, he won 10 of the 22 games he played, before getting injured. His stat line also featured a 2.59 goals against average and .902 save percentage, including one shutout. That season was huge for his development, he says.
“Just being here and getting into a few games, you really gain confidence after that first win or even first game,” says Arnold, who made his WHL debut on Dec.17, 2017 versus Seattle. “Getting into a few games and getting used to this league was huge.”
Arnold also appeared in a game in 2018-19 then earned his first WHL win on Oct. 4, 2019 vs. Seattle. He recorded first career shutout on Nov. 2, 2019 vs. Prince George. He ranked second among all rookie WHL goaltenders with 2.59 GAA (min. 16 games played).
This season the 19-year-old wants to help the Chiefs win as many games as possible. A shorter season will bring adjustments he says, especially with games tight together. Fatigue will be a factor for players and Arnold says there will be games his teammates feel it. He added that this season will be about more mental toughness and pushing through that kind of tiredness and exhaustion.
“I think that is going to be huge,” says Arnold, who went 12-15-0 with the Braves as a 17-year-old and went 2-2-0 in the playoffs. “We have a good group that is able to do that.
“I want to steal some games for them. I almost want to make a name for myself too,” says Arnold, who would like to play well enough to be selected in the NHL Entry Draft. “I think not getting into a ton of games last year, I want to prove myself. I want to be a big name here.”
