TOURS, France: A solid offensive threat from Lantz has signed to play hockey in France this coming season.
Kyle Campbell, a former Yarmouth Mariner, Quebec Rempart and Cape Breton Eagle from Lantz, was announced by the Remparts de Tours hockey club, who play out of Tours, France. Tours is in western France and about 239 kilometres—or two hours and 20 minutes—by car from Paris, according to Google Maps.
The 26-year-old will replace Jérémi Janneteau, who made the decision to stay in Quebec.
“We were looking for a player with the same profile: a striker who knows the championship, very active who weighs on a defense by his activity and his character,” notes coach Julien Guimard in the team’s post on their website translated from French.
Delighted with this signing, the coach of the Remparts explains: “Kyle is in the typical North American style, with a game of high physical intensity. He bothers his opponents a lot, both with his strength and his ability to be decisive and score important goals.” Guimard continues: “He already knows France, and his mentality is excellent at all levels.
“We quickly struck a deal, but it was anything but a rush to recruit. He will be there from the start of the camp, which matters a lot. Another asset, he has already played on the same line as Fabien Métais in Briançon, with which he won the D1. Our coach Jiri was also in this adventure.”
Campbell said it was an easy decision to sign in Tours.
“I played for Briançon in the past and when we played against Tours, I loved the city as soon as I got there. The fans were extremely passionate about the team,” he said. “I’ve also heard great things about coach and the players that are there, so it was a pretty easy choice for me.”
With Campbell, he is a natural leader with a strong character, Tours said. He started his junior career as a spark plug and fighter trying to give his team the energy to win games. In Yarmouth, he gained the confidence as a scorer and that is where he has built his game from since.
“My journey has taught me a lot. The double experience in junior in Quebec and in the Maritimes was invaluable, I developed a lot the physical part in Quebec. Then at Yarmouth, I was as a goal scorer and we won. At the university level that league allows you to build yourself as a complete and mature player,” said Campbell.
The Lantz, Nova Scotia native discovered France when he signed for Briançon, where he had a scoring season in D1 with 39 points (21 goals and 18 assists) in 41 games. He was one of the main assets of his team during the conquest of the title won by the Red Devils.
He said he was happy to land with Tours and admires Jiri and Fabien’s intense drive to win every game.
“We’ve had a lot of success together, so I really hope that will be the case again with the Tours jersey,” said Campbell.
The ice surface in Tours is something that Campbell feels will fit his game greatly.
“It’s funny when I was at York University, we played on the big Olympic ice surface so when I came to Europe I was ready. But my game is shaped to play on the small ice surface so coming to Tours works out great for myself. I can’t wait to get started.”
Campbell hopes to be a leader with Tours.
“I was very fortunate to have great teams around that pushed me to be better so now,” he said. “On or off the ice, I’m the type to push my teammates to be better every day. I have gained a lot of experience across different leagues throughout my career and have been fortunate enough to win titles,” he said in the team release. “I intend to bring this winning mentality to the team.”
“I have only really heard great things about Tours’ passion for hockey. Together, I want to go and win the championship this season.”
To follow Campbell and the Remparts, check out their website by clicking here.
