Former Warrior Hamonic opts out of returning for remainder of NHL Season
Calgary Flames defenceman cites experience with daughter’s respiratory issues a chief cause for concern
Anyone around the Moose Jaw Warriors back when defenceman Travis Hamonic played for the team knew even at that young of age he was a person of intelligence and integrity who had an eye for the bigger picture.
A full 10 seasons after his time in Moose Jaw, he showed that none of that has changed.
Shortly after the National Hockey League and NHLPA announced their new collective bargaining agreement and return to play plan, Hamonic became the first player to opt out of the remainder of the season due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.
And the Calgary Flames defenceman had a very, very good reason to do so.
It was only a year ago that Hamonic was at a hospital bedside with his wife Stephanie, watching as their daughter fought for her life while battling a sudden respiratory illness.
“We saw what a respiratory virus can do to our healthy little girl and it’s something no parent wants or should go through,” Hamonic said in a statement through his agency, Titan Sports 365. “Now, blessed with a second child, a baby boy, the risk of today’s COVID-19 pandemic is a very difficult one to weigh as parents.”
And with that, Hamonic decided it was time for family first.
“Due to what my daughter has already gone through and the concerns if she were to catch COVID-19, I’ve decided to opt out and seek a leave of absence from the Calgary Flames for the remainder of the playoffs,” he said. “I wish I could lace up my skates and be out there battling, blocking a shot and helping the team win, but my family has and always will come first. Being my little kids’ dad everyday is the most important job I have.”
The Flames themselves were in support of his decision. “While we will miss Travis in our lineup, we understand and respect his decision,” said Flames general manager Brad Treliving. “Our focus remains on preparation for training camp and our upcoming series in the NHL Qualifying Round.”
Hamonic’s full statement can be found on the Titan
Sports 365 Twitter and Instagram pages.
The NHL announced their return to play plan shortly after the CBA was finalized – training camps have opened; 12 Eastern Conference teams will play in Toronto and 12 Western Conference in Edmonton, with play beginning Aug. 1 in the Stanley Cup qualifiers.