Walleye signee Campagna opts not to play due to coronavirus vaccine
Sep. 27—Recent Toledo Walleye signee J.C. Campagna will not play for the organization this season due to his concerns with the coronavirus vaccine, calling it a personal decision and not one mandated by the organization.
The Walleye signed Campagna, a 28-year-old who resides in Columbus, on Aug. 11.
On Monday, Campagna announced on social media that he will not play for the organization this season
"I will not be able to compete for the Walleye this season," Campagna wrote on a Twitter post. "I want to thank the staff for giving me an opportunity and hopefully if COVID improves, I'll have a chance to wear a Walleye jersey in the future. Best of luck!"
Campagna told The Blade that the Walleye organization did not mandate or require him to get the vaccine. He said it is a personal decision to not get vaccinated.
"I want to be clear on this matter, this decision is mine, to choose not to get vaccinated," Campagna said. "The NHL made guidelines that I assume will be very similar in nature to what the ECHL will create, which makes it almost impossible not only financially for me but physically, as well. I can't say for sure about what the details and guidelines will be but I can assure you, the Walleye did not mandate or require the vaccine in any way shape, or form."
Campagna went on to say that Walleye coach Dan Watson and his staff went "above and beyond" what he would expect from an organization to try to help him as much as possible navigate the process.
"Unfortunately given the current pandemic, health and safety is a priority, so that comes first," he said.
Walleye executive vice president and general manager Neil Neukam said the organization respects Campagna's decision.
"As an organization we respect JC as a player and a person, hence our willingness to recruit him to play for the Walleye," Neukam said. "We ultimately respect his decision and wish him the best."
The ECHL has not officially issued any coronavirus guidelines or protocols for its 27 teams. ECHL officials did not respond to inquires regarding the status of its coronavirus policies.
Earlier this month, the NHL informed its teams of the league's health and safety protocols for the upcoming season, which place restrictions on unvaccinated players. The league is not requiring its players to be vaccinated. But those players that chose not to be vaccinated must follow strict protocols.
Those players who are not vaccinated will have limited interactions on road trips. NHL teams also can suspend unvaccinated players who are "unable to participate in club activities." The NHL also said that unvaccinated players will lose one day's pay for each day they miss.
"As of now, it appears that I will not be playing [anywhere]," Campagna said.
Campagna was expected to add both size and offensive punch to the Walleye roster.
During the 2018-19 season, Campagna led Toledo's rival, the Fort Wayne Komets, in goals scored with 35. That also was the second-most in the ECHL in that category.
The 6-foot-4 and 205-pound forward has played in 171 ECHL games over a five-year pro career. He has produced 123 points with 65 goals and 58 assists to go along with 127 penalty minutes.
At the time of his signing, Campagna said he had a list of reasons why he wanted to join the Walleye organization.
"The fact I get to play for such a great franchise with a history of success is a blessing for me," Campagna said.
Campagna left open the possibility of a return to the organization.
"The only thing I can hope for is that we get through this pandemic together and when life returns to normal I am able to wear that Walleye jersey proudly," Campagna said.
First Published September 27, 2021, 5:23pm
