The ‘C of Red’ is about to flood the North.
The Calgary Flames and their defenceman, Travis Hamonic, announced a new initiative late last week.
‘The Northern Project’ will provide Indigenous children of the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon the opportunity to visit Calgary for the weekend on an all-expenses paid trip courtesy of Travis and his wife, Stephanie.
Hamonic says his heritage played a large part in providing these moments for the children of the North.
“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.”
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Hamonic is no stranger to helping the community. Last season, while with the New York Islanders, Hamonic worked with the ‘Hit The Ice’ TV show to help Canada’s most promising young First Nations hockey prospects. They participated in a two-week NHL-format training camp for a chance to expose themselves to junior hockey scouts.
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.”
Blake Heynan, Community Relations Manager for the Flames, says Hamonic really grabbed hold of the initiative.
“Travis spearheaded this program right from the beginning. He really wanted to provide opportunities for Indigenous children in the North to come to Calgary and take in a Flames game.”
Heynan added: “They will get all expenses paid with round trip airfare. That goes with hotel accommodations, car service, lower bowl tickets to the game, dressing room tours, jerseys from Travis, gift cards to enjoy some activities while staying in Calgary. It really is all of the amenities that go with a trip like this.”
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The first family, from Nunavut, has already taken part in the program.
“Last night, Travis and Stephanie Hamonic hosted their first guests of The Northern Project, an initiative that will provide Indigenous children from the Northwest Territories, Nunavut & Yukon the opportunity to visit #yyc for the weekend on an all-expenses paid trip.”
Last night, Travis and Stephanie Hamonic hosted their first guests of The Northern Project, an initiative that will provide Indigenous children from the Northwest Territories, Nunavut & Yukon the opportunity to visit #yyc for the weekend on an all-expenses paid trip. pic.twitter.com/1WJFO5sZYI
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) December 17, 2017
Each Territory will have the chance to send a family. Hamonic and his wife will select the second family in the second half of the NHL season. According to Heynan, the selection process will be done through Hockey North.
