Manitoban NHL player first to opt out of pandemic playoff plan over family health concerns
Written by Libby GiesbrechtSunday, Jul 12 2020, 11:53 AM
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Calgary Flames defenseman Travis Hamonic talks faith and family in explaining why he has withdrawn from the playoff plan put forth by the NHL.
Hamonic, 29, grew up in St. Malo, Man., and shared he would be the first to not take part in the upcoming playoff games agreed upon between the NHL and the NHLPA just hours after the return-to-play plan was announced.
In a statement posted to social media, Hamonic explains his decision.
"God has blessed me with the talent and opportunity to play in the NHL. Playing in the NHL is a privilege and I take a lot of pride in doing so for an incredible franchise like the Calgary Flames. Most importantly, God allowed my family the opportunity to see his love and grace first-hand last year when our little girl contracted a very serious respiratory virus," says Hamonic.
Since that time, Hamonic and his wife have welcomed a second child, a boy, into the world. He says it has been difficult as a parent to weigh and decide on what to do for his family during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Due to what my daughter already has 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," Hamonic says.
"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 every day is the most important job I have."
Hamonic says he loves hockey and playing for the Flames, and adds the decision he has come to was not one he reached lightly.