[Otto-matic]

The more and more I read about Travis, the more I am ecstatic he is a Flame. A real gem of a human.

For new digs, the whole setting seemed happily, comfortably familiar.

"I spent a lot of time during my junior career with Moose Jaw and Brandon coming through here,'' Travis Hamonic was reminiscing Monday.

"I don't know how to explain it, but for me this building always had this … feel.

"So whenever I'd come back with the Islanders after I reached the NHL, all these memories would flood back. Kind of nostalgia, you know?

"I've had some fun games in this rink. Now to be on the other side, seeing the (home dressing) room, throwing this jersey on, it's awesome. Absolutely awesome. A dream come true.

"Honestly.

In being officially introduced as a member of the Flaming C family, Hamonic slipped on the No. 24, with the blessing of assistant GM Craig Conroy, who, of course, used to model it himself.

"Some pretty good players have worn that number,'' reminded Conroy, simulating a playful chest-swell. "Pep. Jiri Hudler, a major trophy winner.

"And don't forget Jarome (Iginla), too. At least for a little while.

"I was joking with Travis: 'Oh well, there goes the number.' But it couldn't belong to a better person. Everything you hear about him, for what he does with his foundation, talking to people who know him, have been around him, just a first-class person.

Poor guy - explains why the presser was an hour late.

The scheduled flight for he and wife Stephanie out of Winnipeg for a media unveiling was cancelled.

"Wasn't snowing,'' he joked. "I woke up and saw what had happened with the flight. And I'm thinking: 'Today, of all days …'

"They were pretty quick, though. Before I could even freak out they were booking me another flight.

"So I made it.

"I'm here.

"And it's so worth it."

https://www.nhl.com/flames/news/hamo...me/c-290168206