Sami Douglas-Najem has returned to where it all began with the Trenton Golden Hawks.
Although he started this season in Caledonia, his decision to join the Corvairs was predicated on aligning his educational and athletic endeavours.
Logistically, an opportunity to play in the GOJHL became a natural fit for the left-handed shot rearguard. Douglas-Najem is currently pursuing a Medical Chemistry degree at the University of Waterloo.
Despite managing extensive assignments and lectures, he proved dominant throughout his initial campaign in Haldimand County.
"It was tough. I wasn't going to practice. I was just going to games when I could. But you know, it was a lot of fun," he said. "I tried to find a balance. Sometimes, it was hard, but it worked out in the end."
Douglas-Najem registered 22 goals and 28 assists in 41 regular-season games, which helped him earn the Dave Dunham Trophy as the most valuable defenceman in the Golden Horseshoe Conference.
He continued his impressive performance throughout a successful postseason run, tallying an additional six points in 12 games.
After the Corvairs were eliminated from the playoffs, Douglas-Najem was quickly re-assigned to the Golden Hawks for the Nutrafarms OJHL Championship Series.
Trenton has retained his rights with the organization. The Belleville native previously skated in two seasons with the franchise split between a stint in the OHL with the Niagara IceDogs.
Douglas-Najem is excited to have another chance to play in Quinte West.
"This is a tight-knit group," he said. "When I got the call and heard I was going to play in Trenton again, I was thrilled.
He notes another significant benefit of returning is the atmosphere that surrounds the Duncan Memorial Gardens.
"I got chills when I started hearing the chants again," he said. "They're the best fans in junior hockey. They bring us together and support us out there. It's amazing."
While Douglas-Najem is still determining what lies ahead. His dedication to excelling in academics gives him favourable options in multiple professions.
"I don't know what the future holds. I don't have anything set in stone," he said. "If hockey takes me another year or another ten years, I'm not sure, but I'm just going to take it day by day and be open to different opportunities."