Education
He later attended Boston College, where he played for the Eagles hockey team in the National Collegiate Athletic Association"s Division I Hockey East conference.
He later attended Boston College, where he played for the Eagles hockey team in the National Collegiate Athletic Association"s Division I Hockey East conference.
Atkinson was selected by the Blue Jackets in the sixth round, 157th overall, of the 2008 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Although smaller than most forwards in the National Hockey League, he is known for his great speed, soft hands and excellent shooting skills. Collegiate
Atkinson was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the sixth round, 157th overall, of the 2008 National Hockey League Entry Draft out of Avon Old Farms School in Avon, Connecticut.
In the 2009-2010 season, Atkinson lead the National Collegiate Athletic Association in goals scored with 30, including two in the National Championship game.
During one stretch of the 2009-2010 season Atkinson scored three hat-tricks in ten games. Professional
In March 2011, Atkinson signed a two-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
He then began playing for the Springfield Falcons, the Blue Jackets" American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. While with the Falcons, Atkinson made his mark on the team by recording three goals and two assists for five points in five games.
He was returned to Springfield after playing four games with Columbus in the 2011-2012 National Hockey League season.
After his return to the AHL, Atkinson was named to the 2012 AHL Eastern Conference All-Star Team on January 4, 2012, as a result of his impressive play with Springfield during the 2011-2012 AHL season, with 15 goals and ten assists through 30 games. He was one of 13 rookies named to the two All-Star teams.