Travis Hamonic is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on August 16, 1990, in St. Malo, Manitoba, Canada. Hamonic began his hockey career in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Moose Jaw Warriors in 2006. He played for the Warriors for four seasons, from 2006 to 2010, and was named the team's captain in his final season.
Hamonic was drafted by the New York Islanders in the second round, 53rd overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Islanders in the 2010-11 season and quickly established himself as a reliable defenseman. Hamonic played for the Islanders for seven seasons, from 2010 to 2017, and was named the team's defenseman of the year three times.
In 2017, Hamonic was traded to the Calgary Flames, where he played for four seasons, from 2017 to 2021. He was a key player for the Flames and was known for his physical play and defensive skills. Hamonic was also a leader in the locker room and was named an alternate captain for the Flames in the 2019-20 season.
After the 2020-21 season, Hamonic became an unrestricted free agent and signed a one-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks for the 2021-22 season. He played in 47 games for the Canucks, recording two goals and six assists.
Throughout his NHL career, Hamonic was known for his toughness and physicality on the ice. He was also a strong defensive player and was often tasked with shutting down the opposing team's top players. Hamonic was a fan favorite and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
Off the ice, Hamonic was known for his charitable work and was a finalist for the NHL Foundation Player Award in 2017. He founded the D-Partner Program, which provides support and resources to families dealing with childhood illnesses. Hamonic was also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and was open about his struggles with anxiety and depression.
In April 2022, Hamonic announced his retirement from professional hockey at the age of 31. He cited personal reasons for his decision and expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had in his career. Hamonic's legacy as a tough and reliable defenseman, as well as his charitable work off the ice, will be remembered by fans and the hockey community for years to come.
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