Sport has always been the backbone of Cam Hillis’ life.

Currently a Montreal Canadiens’ prospect and forward on the American Hockey League’s Laval Rocket, the Enniskillen, Ontario native had the opportunity to play a variety of sports growing up, and while progressing through a professional hockey career today, still relies on the fun of the game as a significant piece of his everyday life.

Hillis began organized hockey at the age of six and played triple-A throughout, including capping off his minor hockey career as captain, leading the York Simcoe Express to three major tournament championships: the Silver Stick, the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) Gold Medal — both where Hillis earned MVP honours — and the OHL Cup. Following minor hockey, Hillis enjoyed a three-year OHL career that included being selected in the third round (66th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, followed by an OHL Championship with the Storm in 2019, and concluding his time in the Royal City as the organization’s 29th captain in 2019-20.

From there, Hillis graduated to the professional ranks and has since put his first National Hockey League game in the books, suiting up for the Canadiens on January 1, 2022.

Beyond the list of incredible accomplishments, Hillis still recognizes his proudest of all within himself.

“The person I’ve become,” Hillis shared. “Hockey has taught me a lot on the ice and off… how to deal with different situations, be a good teammate, how to give back to others around me, and just how I’ve grown into the person I am today.”

Now Hillis wants to continue to build on everything sport has taught him, allowing others to have the very same opportunity he had growing up.

“Sports was my release as a kid,” he said. “It allowed me to have fun and enjoy life for what it is. I want to give that back and give kids the same opportunity I had, and continue to enjoy today – both in sports, and out.”

With those thoughts in mind, Hillis has turned his foundation’s eyes towards KidSport Ontario. The Hillis Foundation is committing to match donations made to KidSport until August 31, 2022 up to $5,000, with the goal of helping 40 kids from across the province experience all the benefits of sport. To donate, visit https://tinyurl.com/2p8h5h96