In partnership with Hockey North - coaches, volunteers and teachers were encouraged to nominate children who they felt were deserving of this experience, with the winner receiving a congratulatory phone call from the Hamonic's.
"My wife Stephanie and I are extremely excited to host Indigenous children and their families who may otherwise not have the opportunity to see an NHL game," said Travis Hamonic. "Being Métis myself, I hold my roots very close to my heart and hope this initiative provides the children and their families with a bit of light and hope for their future."
The first recipient, 14 year old MacLeod from Naujaat, Nunavut along with his younger brother Pakak (13) and their father Emmanuel, will be arriving in Calgary this afternoon and will be in attendance at tomorrow night's game when the Flames play host to the Nashville Predators at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Throughout the season, three families will be awarded this opportunity.
This past summer, Hamonic also worked with "Hit The Ice" TV show to assist with Canada's most promising young First Nations hockey prospects as they participated in a two-week NHL-format training camp for a chance to expose themselves to junior hockey scouts.
In recognition of his community efforts last season, Hamonic was named the recipient of the 2016-17 NHL Foundation Player Award presented annually to the player "who applies the core values of hockey - commitment, perseverance and teamwork - to enrich the lives of people in his community."
