Travis Hamonic

2008-09 Highlights

* Named third star in 7-1 loss vs. Tri-City Americans October 8, 2008
* Named second star in 4-2 loss at Red Deer Rebels November 28, 2008
* Named first star with an assist in 4-3 SO win at Edmonton Oil Kings December 27, 2008
* Named first star with 3 goals (2PP , GW) & an assist in 8-4 win at Kamloops Blazers January 2, 2009
* Named second star with 3 assists in 5-2 win at Kelowna Rockets January 3, 2009
* Named third star with a goal (PP , GW) in 3-2 win at Prince Albert Raiders February 21, 2009

Hamonic scores hat trick as Moose Jaw pummels the Blazers 8-4
Canadian Press, January 3, 2009

KAMLOOPS, B.C. - Defenceman Travis Hamonic scored three goals Friday night to lead the Moose Jaw Warriors to an 8-4 Western Hockey League victory over the Kamloops Blazers. 

Moose Jaw (13-25-0-1) scored the game's last four goals, with Hamonic getting three of them. He has nine goals this season. 

Joel Broda scored twice, improving his WHL-leading total to 33, while Thomas Frazee, Ian Duval and Corey Scott also scored for the Warriors, who are 3-2-0-0 so far on their seven-game trip. 

Shayne Wiebe, Dalibor Bortnak, Jimmy Bubnick and C.J. Stretch replied for Kamloops (16-20-1-4). 

Moose Jaw goaltender Deven Dubyk stopped 26 shots. Blazers netminder Justin Leclerc made 19 saves before being relieved by Jon Groenheyde midway through the third period. Groenheyde stopped one of two shots.

Warriors double-up Blazers 8-4
by Matthew Gourlie, The Moose Jaw Times Herald, January 3, 2009

Two days ago Travis Hamonic had the flu.
Friday night in Kamloops the Moose Jaw Warriors’ defenceman was feeling a whole lot better after scoring his first Western Hockey League hat trick.
Hamonic scored three goals while Joel Broda added two goals and an assist as the Warriors beat the Kamloops Blazers 8-4.
“Hamonic and Broda were really good tonight,” said Warriors head coach Dave Hunchak. 
“We’ve had a challenge scoring goals all year, so to put an eight spot on the board feels really good for the players obviously. We did a good job of putting pucks to the net. It proves the fact that you never see a bad shot on net.”
The win is the Warriors’ second straight and sees their record improve to 3-2 on their seven-game road trip. They are 13-25-0-1 overall as they head into Kelowna tonight.
Hamonic’s power-play goal 50 seconds into the third put the Warriors ahead 5-3 and put the game away. At that point it was the Tribe’s third power play goal on as many chances.
“It was a real important goal,” said Hunchak who felt the turn turning point came after a second period time out with the score tied 3-3.
“We worked hard to draw a penalty and we scored on that one and we worked hard again at the end of the period and we drew another penalty and scored on that.”

Hamonic Returns to Friendly City
mjwarriors.ca, mid December 2008

The Moose Jaw Warriors Travis Hamonic was one of 16 players released by Head Coach Pat Quinn as Hockey Canada trimmed their roster for the upcoming 2009 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships.

The quick 3 day training camp held in Ottawa, ON saw Travis and the other roster hopefuls play intersquad games each of the three days along with practices. Although Travis did not clinch a roster spot this year, he has proven that he can compete at an International Level as a member of the last U-18 gold medal team and is determined to earn another invite for the 2010 World Juniors Championships

Travis will return to Moose Jaw and to the Warriors for the upcoming home game on Tuesday December 16th v. the Prince Albert Raiders.

Hamonic Selected to Participate in Canada's National Junior Team Selection Camp in Ottawa
mjwarriors.ca, early December 2008

Hockey Canada and the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced on Wednesday that 38 of Canada’s best junior-aged hockey players (born in 1989 or later) have been invited to take part in Canada’s National Junior Selection Camp from December 11-15, 2008 in Ottawa, ON at the SBP Arena and the Robert-Guertin Arena. Among those invited to Camp is Warriors defenseman Travis Hamonic.

The 2nd round draft pick of the New York Islanders has been a leader on the Tribe’s blue line this season. The 6’0, 195 pounder currently leads the way in scoring amongst Warriors defensemen with 3 goals and 11 assists for 14 points. 

Hamonic’s hockey abilities have already been noticed by Hockey Canada as the young native of St. Malo, MB participated in Hockey Canada’s World Junior Development camp this past summer. International competition is no stranger to this 18 year old up & coming defenseman. Travis participated in the 2007 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge for Team West and was a member of the gold medal winning Team Canada at the U-18 Hockey Challenge in Kazan, Russia this past summer and most recently a member of Team WHL in this past ADT Canada Russia Challenge in Swift Current, SK. Travis’ familiarity with International Competition along with his strong leadership attributes and skillful play are sure to be an asset at camp.

Trio named to WHL’s Challenge team
by Matthew Gourlie, The Moose Jaw Times Herald, November 1, 2008

Jason Bast was due for a break or two.
A week ago in Calgary Bast hit the crossbar twice in the midst of a five-game goal drought. He snapped that skid with two goals Wednesday in Regina and Thursday he was named to the Western Hockey League roster for the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge.
“It was a big surprise,” said the Moose Jaw Warriors captain. “The year hadn’t gotten off to a great start and I don’t usually catch breaks like that. It’s nice to get the recognition.”
Bast will be joined by fellow Warriors, centre Joel Broda and defenceman Travis Hamonic, who will also represent the WHL at the Swift Current i-plex Nov. 26. The trio will only play in one game as the WHL stars will also play the Russians the following night in Prince Albert.
While Broda and Hamonic are both NHL draft picks, Bast has been passed over twice despite scoring 34 goals and 79 points last season. So far he has seven goals and 11 points in 15 games.
The team is selected by a group of WHL general managers and Hockey Canada’s head scout Al Murray. While it is only one game, the Challenge is part of the process for selecting the next national world junior team.
“I had never even thought of that as an option, but I guess if I go out and impress anything can happen,” said Bast.
Broda got off to a blazing start, but has cooled a little netting nine goals and 15 points in 13 games. The Washington fifth round pick is excited for the chance to face the Russians.
“It’s really exciting,” said Broda. “I set that as a goal at the start of the year. I wanted to work hard and have a good start and lucky to be on the team. It’s a proud moment.
Hamonic was a second round pick of the New York Islanders in last year’s NHL draft. He also attended the Canadian national junior team’s summer camp after winning a gold medal at the IIHF under-18 world championships.
“Given the few camps I’ve been to and the teams I’ve been on it doesn’t come as a huge shock, but any time you get named to a Western Hockey League team with the players that there are in this league, it’s a huge honour,” said Hamonic. “It’s just going to be a great feeling putting that jersey on.”
While Hamonic was in diapers when the iron curtain fell, he said there’s still plenty of intensity in the Russian-Canadian rivalry.
“I played the Russians a few times in the under-18s and those were two of the most memorable games I’ve played in my life. That’s something I’m going to always have with me,” said Hamonic who has 11 points in 11 games.
“Given all of the history back in the day with the Russians, there’s a lot of emotion and things that play into those games.”

Warriors welcome back Hamonic for Friday's action
The Moose Jaw Times Herald, September 26, 2008

The Moose Jaw Warriors will welcome Travis Hamonic to their roster for tonight’s game in Brandon.

The six-foot defenceman was a second round selection of the New York Islanders in this past NHL Entry Draft. The Islanders reassigned Hamonic back to the Warriors Friday morning. 

The Warriors return to home ice Saturday night when the Wheat Kings return for the second game of their home-and-home series.

Warriors Hamonic enjoys amazing week
by Matthew Gourlie, The Moose Jaw Times Herald, July 3, 2008

Travis Hamonic just had the week of his life.
And it promises to only get better from here.
Two Sundays ago the Moose Jaw Warriors defenceman saw his stock rise immensely as he was selected 53rd overall by the New York Islanders. The following day in Calgary he picked his championship ring as part of Canada’s IIHF World Under-18 gold medal team.
Wednesday, Hamonic was walking across the stage at his high school graduation at Collège Louis-Riel in St. Boniface, Man. While he was convocating, he missed Willie Desjardins’ call to tell him that he had been invited to Hockey Canada’s national junior team developmental camp this summer in Ottawa.
“It was the week of my life you could say,” said Hamonic with a laugh.
It began with a sleepless night as he waited to see where he would be selected. Despite being ranked 75th among North American skaters in Central Scouting’s final rankings, Hamonic didn’t have to wait long.
“It was pretty nerve racking that morning,” said Hamonic. “I think I had about an hour of sleep. My mom has been my biggest supporter in hockey for the longest time and it was nice that she was watching on the internet and she was the one that first told me. After she told me within five seconds my phone was ringing off the hook.”

Travis Hamonic Earns Invite to National Junior Team Development Camp
mjwarriors.ca, June 26, 2008

Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), announced on Wednesday that 45 of Canada’s top junior-aged players (born in 1989 or later) have been invited to attend Canada’s National Junior Team development camp from July 25-29, 2008 in Ottawa, ON. Among those invited is Moose Jaw Warriors defenseman Travis Hamonic. 

The 6’0, 195lb native of St. Malo, MB was a member of the gold medal wining team Canada Under-18 team this past April in Kazan, Russia. Hamonic, who is a key contributor on the Warriors blue line, also scored 5 goals and 17 assists for 22 points last season.

The National Junior Team development camp is the first step in a process that Hockey Canada follows to name Canada’s National Junior Team roster in December. Following this July camp, Hockey Canada will continue to monitor and evaluate these players and other eligible players in the CHL, as well as in the junior and college ranks in Canada and the U.S.A. There was no development camp in the summer of 2007, due to Canada’s participation in the Canada-Russia Super Series.

 

	Isles Select D Travis Hamonic 53rd Overall
	June 20, 2008:  Profile: D Travis Hamonic Born: August 16, 1990, Winnipeg, Man. 2007-08: Moose Jaw (WHL) Shoots: Right CSS:  75th overall

NHL Director of Central Scouting E.J. McGuire 
"Travis at times is a human pinching machine, regardless of the zone, he seems to come up with the puck. He plays an energetic game and has a long legged-type skating style to go along with the willingness to play physical. He needs to improve on his playmaking ability in order to be more of a contributor in the offensive zone."  

- Won gold with Team Canada at the Under-18 IIHF World Championships in 2008 and helped lead Team Manitoba to a silver medal at the 2007 Canada Winter Games.

- Tallied two assists in Team Canada’s 9-2 victory over Germany in the pre-tournament action at the World Under-18 Hockey Championships. Was a teammate of Islanders 2008 second round pick Corey Trivino.

- Patterns his game after Calgary 's Dion Phaneuf – "he controls the game, he's physical and he can play in all situations"

- He started skating at the age of three and played his first season with the St. Malo Warriors at the age of four – "I wanted to play because my brother did; I would always ask to go skating but refused to hold anyone's hand because I wanted to do it all on my own".

3 Moose Jaw Warriors Selected in 2008 NHL Entry Draft
mjwarriors.ca, June 21, 2008

Moose Jaw Warriors Travis Hamonic, Joel Broda and Ryley Grantham are one step closer to making their professional hockey dreams come true as all three were selected in this year's draft NHL Entry Draft.

The New York Islanders selected the Warrior defenseman Travis Hamonic in the second round, 53rd overall in this year's draft.

The 6’0, 195lb native of St. Malo, MB has become a key part of the Warriors blue line over the past 2 seasons. Hamonic, who had five goals, 17 assists and 101 penalty minutes in 61 games last season was also the Warriors Scholastic Player of the Year for 2008. Hamonic’s well rounded two-way style of play also earned him the opportunity to showcase his talents as a member of the gold medal winning team Canada at the 2008 World Under-18 Championships in Kazan Russia.

Hamonic hoping he made most of Combine opportunity 
Mike G. Morreale, NHL.com (June 16, 2008)

Having received the No. 75 North American skater ranking by NHL Central Scouting allowed Moose Jaw Warriors defenseman Travis Hamonic to attend the Draft Combine.

As the final North American skater invited to participate in the 2008 NHL Scouting Combine last month, you would think 17-year-old defenseman Travis Hamonic of the Western Hockey League's Moose Jaw Warriors would be a nervous wreck.

After all, what, exactly, did the No. 75-rated North American skater by Central Scouting have that No. 76 Samuel Groulx or No. 77 Patrick Wiercioch didn't?

"I'm very conscious when we get to rankings within that 70 through 75 range, but there's got to be a line drawn somewhere," said the NHL's Director of Central Scouting, E.J. McGuire. "We felt strongly, based on our assessments, that the No. 75 guy is different in many ways than the No. 98 guy. I congratulate Travis, but just because he was invited does not guarantee he'll be drafted, even though 98 percent of the players invited to the Combine get drafted. The most important thing for him was that he was there and had an opportunity to make an impression."

That's precisely how the Winnipeg native approached his chance of a lifetime.

"Everything I've proven on the ice to reach this point, I wanted to prove with just as much passion in the interview rooms and in the workouts (at the Combine)," Hamonic said. "I wanted to prove my work ethic and allow these scouts and general managers to see that I'm a well-spoken man. I went to the Combine wanting to back everything up that I've accomplished all year, proving my professionalism and leadership."

It's the humbleness and conviction in Hamonic's voice that likely afforded him a spot among the 107 prospects at the Combine. Hamonic had 15 interviews over two days prior to his fitness testing in Toronto.

It also didn't hurt that Hamonic exhibited a toughness and ability to play through pain.

"I talked to his coach at Moose Jaw (Dave Hunchak), and he told me that Travis missed a month of the season with a broken jaw but actually finished the game in which he suffered the injury," said Peter Sullivan, who scouts the WHL for NHL Central Scouting.

B.J. MacDonald, who scouts the WHL and British Columbia Hockey League, feels Hamonic could be a sleeper in the 2008 Entry Draft, scheduled for June 20-21 in Ottawa.

"Travis is very heady and steady," praised MacDonald. "He's smart with the puck, has good natural instincts and reads the play nicely."

Hamonic didn't consider it a big deal that he was the final North American skater invited to the Combine.

"It was definitely a great honor to be there," he said, "but, I mean, I could be No. 75 or No. 50 and the bottom line is that it's just a number. Everyone at the combine was there for the same reason -- making the most of an opportunity."

Hamonic, who had five goals, 17 assists and 101 penalty minutes in 61 games and was named Scholastic Player of the Year at Moose Jaw in 2007-08, also was invited to play for the gold-medal winning Canadian team at the 2008 World Under-18 Championships in Kazan, Russia, in April.

"Travis comes to play in every game. He's very energetic and has improved by leaps and bounds," Sullivan told NHL.com. "He's the type of kid you notice each time he's on the ice."

On the Canadian U-18 Team, Hamonic had an opportunity to play alongside Central Scouting's No. 18-rated skater, defenseman Colten Teubert.

"It was nice that we won a gold medal together and, playing for Regina, I've also gone up against Travis many times," Teubert told NHL.com. "I feel he's a great player and certainly deserved a chance at the Combine. He's one of those guys you would love to have on your team."

At Moose Jaw, Hamonic gained experience on the power play playing alongside Keaton Ellerby, a 2007 first-round draft choice (10th overall) of the Florida Panthers. Ty Wishart, a first-round pick (16th overall) of the San Jose Sharks in 2006, also fortified the blue line for the Warriors.

"It's very tough comparing players, but some drafted in the first round never improve in their second year while those drafted in the middle rounds have been able to make that turnaround," Sullivan said. "That's where I see Travis. He's a good skater with quick feet, and while he could be as high as a second-round pick, it wouldn't surprise me if he's chosen in the sixth round, either." 

Following his successful Combine, Hamonic (6-foot, 190 pounds), who also earned a silver medal with Team Manitoba at the 2007 Canada Winter Games, is looking forward to Draft Day.

"Right now, he's a good junior-hockey defenseman, but what he has to do to get to the next level is develop his offensive game," MacDonald said. "He plays the power play for Moose Jaw but must learn to run the power play. If he can learn and add that offensive flair, which he is capable, then that'll put him a cut above and be more of an asset for a pro team."

It wouldn't surprise MacDonald if Hamonic were drafted as high as the third round.

"It all depends on how teams felt he did at the Combine," he said.

Hamonic is confident his determination and desire will get him through.

"My coaches at Moose Jaw worked with me so well throughout the year and always put in the extra hours with me and I'll always be thankful for that," he said. "It's because of that work that I'm benefiting right now and I don't intend on losing it.

"I know the importance of speed, skating and skill and how you must possess all three to be a complete player. I know I'll have to be a well-rounded skater. You can't just have one attribute and expect to play a big role for a team, so that's something I'll work at every day."

Hamonic Named to Team Canada
Corey Atkinson, Moose Jaw Times Herald (April 6, 2008)

To Russia, with love. 

Moose Jaw Warriors defenseman Travis Hamonic will be off to Kazan, Russia next week as part of the Canadian national team for the IIHF World Under-18 tournament. 

It's an excellent consolation prize for the Warriors first-round playoff exit. 

"I was at the rink packing up my stuff, and I got the phone call from Hockey Canada," said Hamonic. "The first thing that went through my mind was pure excitement. It's been a dream of mine to put that jersey over my head and now that I've got the opportunity to do so, I look forward to it."

Hamonic, who scored five goals and 17 assists this season in his first full year with the Warriors, will be on the team with two members of the Regina Pats, as well as Brayden Schenn, a member of the Brandon Wheat Kings. However, the second-year Warrior won't know too many other faces with the team.

"This is my first international event," said Hamonic, who played with the Manitoba team at last February's Canada Winter Games. "Now, to have the chance to represent your country, it's a big stepping stone and it's the first stepping stone of many places I want to be, and I look forward to it."

Another place he wants to be is on the NHL draft board this June in Ottawa. A good showing at this tournament can bump up the blueliner's stock, which is fairly high at 54th overall among North American skaters at the mid-term rankings. 

"You want to keep it in the back of your mind, but it's always on the backburner," he said. 

"But that's not on my mind right now, I'm going over there for one reason and that's to win gold for this country, and that's my main focus." 

Ex-Olympic coach Pat Quinn will be Canada's bench boss for this year's tournament, something else Hamonic said he is looking forward to. Hamonic leaves for Europe from Toronto Monday, and will play in two pre-tournament games before the April 13-23 event. 

"We're going to have to get to know each other pretty fast, and I think everyone's got to come in open-minded and everyone's got to come together pretty fast, and I'm sure that's what will happen."

He doesn't plan on changing his style of play at this tournament. "I just want to be an energy source, and not fight but play physical," he said. "Just the same game you guys have seen all year with the Warriors is the same game I'm going to bring over there."

Hamonic to Represent Canada at 2008 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Tournament
mjwarriors.ca, April 2, 2008

The Moose Jaw Warriors are pleased to announce that 18 year old defenceman Travis Hamonic has been invited to be a member of team Canada for the 2008 IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Tournament. The tournament will be held from April 13th-23rd in Kazan, Russia.

Coming off his second full season with the tribe and a personal best of 5 goals and 17 assists for 22 points, Hamonic is sure to be an asset to team Canada. The 6’0, 195lbs native of St. Malo, MB leadership capabilities will be a great contributor on the U18 blue line. 
Under the direction of this year’s U18 head coach, Pat Quinn, the experience Hamonic will receive will in turn be an asset to the Warriors next season. 
The Under-18 team will fly to Europe from Toronto on April 7th and will play two pre-tournament games, April 10th vs. Belarus and April 11th vs. Finland, before opening the 2008 IIHF World Under-18 Championships against Germany on April 13th.

The Moose Jaw Warriors organization congratulates Travis on being named to the Under-18 team as he is sure to represent his country and the Warriors well.