POINT BLANK VIDEO: TRAVIS HAMONIC
Two years later, he’s brimming with confidence
This one, recorded today, is dedicated to all the readers who want to know about a prospect’s height and weight. About that hoodie: it’s about 40 degrees ice-side, and I get some free stuff from the hockey companies. Comments on The Hammer.
80 Responses to POINT BLANK VIDEO: TRAVIS HAMONIC
Two years later, he’s brimming with confidence
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KLann says:
start him!
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JD says:
hope Travis makes the team this season.
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I think some other Islanders defensemen should listen to how he says he wants to take the body and use that to his advantage. I like that.
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Rob76 says:
Love his confidence and a great talker. Sounds like someone who can grow into a real leader on the team one day. Hope it translates on the ice
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beatlebailey says:
CB: I thought Hamonic was named Asst GM for a second there…:-)…sheesh you big time hockey writers get some nice swag!
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Strummer's Army says:
Seems like a really good guy. Thanks very much for the ht/wt question Chris, please make that a standard question with everyone. Travis will be on the opening night roster, anyone who looks at the depth chart knows that. De Haan will probably make it too if he continues to add more muscle between now and camp.
Please to read Katie’s twitter that De Haan added 10-15 lbs.
The really positive news is all coming from the prospects the rest pretty much is heart breaking.
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IslesRock says:
Great work CB, this kid looks and sounds like a winner.
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Madchef says:
this is more of What I want to see about. I hope he makes the team. I know he is a bit young but even if he starts in the bridge I would love to see him come up halfway through the season. I think he is gonna be a stud.CB thanks for all the info good and not so good.
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islz says:
Touchy about the hoodie. My apologizies. Can you just keep giving us prospect stories and shield us from all the bizzaro stuff. This kid is a keeper, lets hope he is not rushed if he is not ready. I think he will be a callup at minimum. The kids are alright.
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big dally mac says:
Half a season or more in the minors why rush it. de Haan back to jr. try to get his WJC gold and the Bridge the year after that. No need to rush defensemen. By the time they develop they’ll be ready to leave. No rush we won’t be ready for prime time for another two year anyway. Go Islanders
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Jim says:
CB: Who are the people on the Islanders that have helped you get to this point?
Hamonic: Ryan Jankowski…Oh really, Ryan Jankowski? That explains why he was turned away. Because it made too much sense to renew his contract.
Aside from my obvious anger over Jankowski’s firing, I am very excited about Hamonic and hope he plays next year.
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walk-about says:
Good work Janakowski! Your work is done here..Snow will take the credit when he’s the Isles stud defensman!!
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pete says:
wow this kid is oozing confidence. he looks physically ready as well. wouldnt be surprised to see him make the team
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Nyichamp39 says:
Sounds like a leader. I like the kid. I always knew about his skill but it’s nice to hear how well spoken he is. Kid has poise. He should be a big part of the isles in the next few years.
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27Tonelli says:
Out of all our defensive prospects he is my favorite ! I will definitely get a new white jersey with Hamonic on the back ! Any idea what # he will be wearing CB ? Also where is Blake Kessel?
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jamal says:
wow talk about character…seems like jankowski drafted alot of these kids that are great on and off the ice. i think we’re gonna miss jankowski but we’ve got all the young talent we need now they just have to develop
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DavidNYC says:
He definitely comes off confident and determined. Nice interview. Even more excited about his potential now! Go Hammer!
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Mike from Sarasota says:
Seems like a really great kid. Big part of the future. I hope he starts with the SoundTigers though. There is no reason to rush him. Defencemen take time.
And those de Haan tweets scare me. Kid played all of 38 games last season between Juniors and WJC. No way he should be in the NHL this season.
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Russel Ginart says:
During the draft they showed a clip of Tyler Seguin and the rough and tumble way he plays could lead to injuries down the line for him. Well the one clip was Seguin being crushed in the corner by Travis Hamonic. Hamonic is going to be very good for us!
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therain93--terriers fan says:
Great interview, keep’m coming CB! ( ‘ :
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Ethan K says:
I think he needs at least a half year in Bridgeport, but that’s not a knock on him. At 6’2″, 215 lbs he’s probably ready now physically, but Jack Capuano can teach him a lot and by the 2011-2012 season, he’ll be very ready for an NHL season. Not to mention, there will be a spot for him!
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Islesfan in Vancouver says:
21 you’re thinking taylor hall but I know what you mean. Hamonic hopefully will develop into a solid top 4 defenseman capable at both ends
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CB. Great leading question to ask on who has helped him out! I alughed as you asked it.
As a general rule, I’m impressed with most young hockey players when they are interviewed, so I won’t make him an all-star based on this. Nonetheless, this is good stuff and it’s great to hear what the kids are thinking. Cab you get five minutes with Garth?
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dman says:
cool. he’s absolutely adorable.
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Examiner says:
I like him. Can’t wait for The Hammer to play on the Island. That being said, I see him going to the Bridge to begin the season. Let him learn the system and get comfortable in the pro game. Isles D has much more depth than last season: Streit, Hillen, MacDonald, Eaton, Jurcina, Gervais, Martinek, Reese, Kohn, and Katic.
Might as well wait until the mid-point of the season when someone like Martinek or Jurcina get hurt.
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steve says:
so the teenager wasnt finished growing, and hes tossed on 20 lbs of muscle mass by age 20. folks, pro training regimes are insane. my cousin is a college football player, came home a monster after 1 year. thats college training, pro stuffis even more intense.
given the GM hasnt signed very many defenders, ithink you can read into somebody making the big club at start, or near the start of the season. EXCELLENT drafting by the front office. hopefully their replacements will do as good a job. but its nice to be an isles fan today. -
Islesfan #24, I think you may be right it may have been Hall. Did you see the clip I’m talking about?
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TheNewIslesGM says:
Hamonic is going to look great in a Winnipeg Islanders jersey.
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Eric Cup says:
My biggest fear could actually come true. We build a quality talented team of home-grown players like Travis, only to see the team sold and/or moved. All signs pointing to a major issue on the horizon. I pray I am wrong.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Thanks for the balance CB … LOL!!
Back to reality … This kid is going to be gold for the Islanders. When ever I read the write ups in the local papers of Moose Jaw, or even the MJ’s opposition they always seemed to pump up TH’s abilities … the kid is a fighter … and when I say that I mean the kid fights to become a better player. He’s not content with just being there.
Love that spirit.
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mike says:
I like it when a prospect knows he is ready to play with the top club. He said all the right things, in his mind he is ready to play with the men. That’s the attitude the team needs.
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ars9x says:
Love the interviews with the kids! Shines some hope in these uncertain times. Thanx CB.
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Vas says:
I personally think he is a lock to make this team. With the lack of depth at D he is your 3rd or 4th best D-man.
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blumpkin says:
I can’t wait for the first time he lays a huge hit on crosby in the corner, then crosby will trip over himself and try to get back to the bench alla ron francis
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CB – BTW … Thanks for the intelligence about the need for a hoody in the 40* rink … I’ll bring my Isles jacket.
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Yeah … I read about deHaan’s increase in weight in an earlier article on the web. Katie’s tweet was the first I heard how much he put on … It’s a good start for sure.The article I read was a Canadian review of CHL’s NHL drafted players possibly ready for the jump to the NHL … in the article it mentioned a “filled out” Harmonic and “smooth skating puck moving” deHaan who happened to fill out more while recovering from surgery. The author said the Isles have two potential blue line studs that with some tweaking and finishing could become a fearsome tandem in a couple of short years. I’ll look and see if I can find it again, then forward to CB … I’ll let him decide to post it.
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Nick says:
Thanks CB for the great behind the scenes access. The one refreshing thing to come from the trainwreck that’s been the last 7 days in Isles Country has been the prospects. Hamonic expects to make the team, same with Petrov. That tells me that they both probably make appearances at some point during the year and could make the team with a ridiculous camp. My bet is that one of them is kept for that little early season try out period that doesn’t count as a contract year (like what we did with Bailey, but he stayed up). Hamonic looks like an attitude player with a fire and an edge that a great d-man needs. Love the added size and strength. For a kid like this that’s all you’re waiting for. In what is shaping up as another year on the outside looking in why not plug this kid in and give him experience at the NHL level. I say play him from Day 1.
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russell I remember seeing the clip you’re talking about, pretty sure it was played during the draft on TSN prior to the first pick.
Hamonic looks like he could be a real keeper for the Isles. I haven’t had a chance to watch him play as much as I’ve wanted to, but when I have (world jrs) he’s looked fantastic, his size and strength are NHL ready and he’s got some offensive upside for sure.
early expectation would be 5-6 goals, 20 assists and a solid defensive physical presence. Just my opinion from what I’ve seen, he may have more offensive upside but I imagine he’d be paired with a more offensive defenseman and be expected to anchor the unit defensively.
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doc says:
Good to see developing prospects…
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mark p says:
#17-I was wondering about Kessel….seems like he has outperformed his draft spot.
Hamonic is exactly what we have needed for a long time.
Our top pre 2010 prospect in my eyes.
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JoeRiverside says:
Wow, at the end of this interview, a bunch Hamonic fights popped up on youtube. boy can he throw a punch.
Keep the interviews coming CB…they’re great..Thanks
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These video’s are pretty neat CB. You see a different side of a player this way when just reading an interview. This is pretty cool.
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thepolishprince says:
Asked a simple question earlier in the thread but it seems to have been deleted. It was harmless so I’ll try again. Does anyone know if Travis would be eligible to play in BPort this season or are his choices juniors or the Big Club?
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44, Travis is eligible to play in the Bridge or the Big Club. No more Juniors.
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Whiskey Pete says:
Free stuff from the hockey companies–isn’t that a conflict of interest as a journalist to take free stuff?
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Oye Comeau Va, formerly (Sim)ple says:
Great kid. Very articulate for a player his age. Looking forward to seeing what he can do.
JoeRiverside (42) – you weren’t kidding. Hamonic can definitely throw a punch. Seems to not be easily intimidated. Our D can definitely benefit from this eventual addition.
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billy says:
just give him an isles jersey now!!!!! hahaha this kid knows the right things to say, i love his attitude.
but…..how are we going to set up our d?
streit hillen
macdonald hamonic
jurcina eaton
martinek
de haan (could show he’s ready for nhl in september)
gervaistoo many options haha
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CJCB says:
God get this kid in the lineup now, instant upgrade over Gervais. Love his attitude and he likes to HIT!!! Dont screw this one up, please!!!
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Bob says:
I hope his ability matches his confidence. I like him already.
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Spartiarti RVC says:
He might turn out to be a drafy gem in 08 draft.
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Orange&Blue says:
These young guns are the only thing we have going for us at this point. At least we can all be happy about something. It is just unfortunate that the person responsible for these young guns is not being compensated for his efforts. Instead, the non-gm and or the underqualified person gets to keep his job. Interesting?
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dose says:
the kid says he’s “definately ready to play a regular shift in the nhl.” i hope they give him every chance to prove it and do it, rather than pre-determine to slow him down.
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Staten Islander says:
This kid is going to be GREAT, now lets let him spend a year in the bridge
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Thanks JD.
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Irish Isle says:
Wow cant get enough of his maturity, you would think he has playing in the NHL for 15 years with his answers. Loved how he add “muscle mass.”
Hopefully de Haan can add some more muscle mass.
The kid should have a long career on the Island. I think he is going to give Gordon, Snow and whoever is left a tough decision about sending him to Bridgeport. Great job by the scouts for selecting him and the development staff in his development.
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Isle Be Damned says:
This kid has future captain written all over him.
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Never witnessed a Cup says:
Im sooo looking forward to watching this kid…He gets it
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CIsle says:
Can this kid beat out MacDonald/Hillen, Gervais, Kohn and Reese for a job on the Island? That’s what is gonna have to happen in order for him to take a regular shift here!
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KK says:
There’s no way this kid doesn’t make the Isles out of training camp. 6.2 and 210? Sounds good to me. Really looking forward to seeing him lace ‘em up for us.
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Pritchett54 says:
Just watched some hamonic fights. Wow, this kid throws wild haymakers. I can’t wait to add some toughness to this team with him Martin and konopka.
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sheesh lots of mr sunshines on the blog. Just enjoy watching these young kids develop and dont stress about the front office..that $hi! will take care of itself. i cannot wait for the season and am a proud but frustrated season ticket holder. cmon Garth sign Asham!
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JT says:
Seems like a good kid. Hope he has a long career on the Isles blueline. Chris, like the hoodie too.
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goislesgo105 says:
Sounds like Travis really likes to hit! We sure could use size and toughness. With him, Petrov and Martin we seem to have size and toughness coming soon. Add some skill with JT and Nino and the Isles could be fun to watch.
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Rob (in Pgh) says:
I like his attitude about taking the body. Looking forward to seeing him throw some hits against NHL players who don’t wear an Isles jersey.
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orngfan says:
i saw the thump hamonic laid on taylor hall months ago and let me tell you this if BRUNO GERVAIS can “earn” a roster spot and hamonic doesn’t it’d be a complete farce!!!
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steven says:
We’ve had the “Bammer”. Now it’s time for the “Hammer”. I hope he throws some big hits on Saturday nite. Maybe we can get lucky and him and Nino drop the gloves, and Kabanov jumps in as the third man in. God I love this team.
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justin says:
I’m with 57…..I watched this interview and thought one thing….this kid is going to wear the ‘C’ one day….lets hope he’s a young duncan keith in the making…..very optimistic for the future….and btw….playoffs or bust this year
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booten326 says:
Looks like the real deal so far.
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jaymz27 says:
We should have the cap room to sign all of the prospects that pan out until they can become unrestricted free agents.
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The HAMMER! I LOVE it! This kid seems awesome…attitude seems perfect and that “brimming” with confidence is what we need.
Very well spoken and direct…seems like a good future “C” or “A”. I know I’m getting ahead of myself but I’m a Hammer believer.
Hurt to see him thank Janks…but figures. I’ll have my eye closely on him Saturday, definitely want to see his 2-way play. I gotta search the previous articles on here about the Hammer…
PS – I like the hoody! But I gotta get you an EB one once we’re ready!
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2Bit says:
Wasn’t Hamerlik’s nickname hammer? Either way, I approve of the new Hammer
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linyrox says:
CB thanx for the interviews. You are certainly capturing all of the great excitment of the young guys.
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Darren says:
Still a year away in my opinion.Not because he can’t make the team but for his own development.CB is Hamonic considered a top 2 d-man or4?Just wondering.I still don’t see that we have a compliment to play w/ Streits style,yet.Maybe this kid is it.
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purify says:
first off so glad my favorite port is hockey. not just from an islanders perspective but in general what down to earth, mannered and hunble people. These young kids especially. Tavares poise off the ice hearing travis in this interview its so refreshing compared to other major league sports. loved what travis had to say and confidence is key and his desire to be the best he can be is awesome. goodluck and keep it up.
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pork fried rice says:
I like this kid. Hopefully his development won’t be wrecked by this circus environment created by our incompetant owner. Sell the team Wang before it’s too late!
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Bruce says:
Chris,
Just for reference when I see these videos, how tall are you?
Thanks
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geduffer says:
#77 – CB is about my height and I’m no Zdeno Chara
I finally got to watch the interview last night and I’m impressed with Travis. It would not surprise me if he made the team out of camp and I can definitely see him as a top pair defenseman in the future.
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I share in the enthusiasm for “The Hammer” (Galvanized Version) … however … we’ve all complained dozens of times about rushing defensemen.
I think Travis has proven himself beyond a shadow of a doubt at the Junior level… Travis himself pointed out that his size over younger players gave him an advantage … He’s not going to enjoy that size and speed advantage in the NHL … Let him fine tune his game at the Bridge so he doesn’t lose that confidence which he also pointed out is key to improving.
As far as moving someone out … Gervais or Martinek would be my choice for trade (for draft picks) … if ya can’t move ‘em the waiver wire calls. There seems to be a lot of players still waiting to be signed in FA … that tells me that most teams are set for camp.
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isles72 says:
keep your head up Petrov !
I wish I was at an ice rink now at 40 degrees.