Golden Knights Defenseman Returns To Calgary
Noah Hanifin plays in his first game back in Calgary after being traded to Vegas.
Stephen R. Sylvanie - USA TODAY Sports - Golden Knights Defenseman Returns To CalgaryWhen Noah Hanifin steps on the ice tonight at the Scotiabank Saddledome against the Calgary Flames, he will only have one thing on his mind: get a win for his new team.
But that doesn’t mean that Hanifin doesn’t have any fond memories of leaving Calgary.
“I was very lucky to be able play here and live in the community here. I’ve played on some amazing teams,” Hanifin said. “I met some amazing people here. In a way, I grew up here. I was here for a long time. I feel very fortunate to be part of this organization and community.”
Hanifin played 420 games for Calgary, scoring 42 goals and 149 assists. He said that he’ll miss the people and the sense of community the most about leaving Calgary.
“The people in the organization and community. That’s probably the piece I’ll miss the most about moving on. The relationships you made with people. Your teammates, trainers, management,” he said. “Everybody I got know over the past six years that had a huge impact on my life as a player and person. I’m going to miss those people. I played here for six years; I met people away from hockey that I’m going to miss seeing. That’s something I’ll remember most.”
As for playing so close to being traded, Hanifin isn’t thinking too much about that. He understands that moving on is part of the business of being an NHL player, but playing against your former team a week after the trade is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“It’s a unique feeling for sure. Being and playing here last week with the team I was a part of for six years,” Hanifin said. “It’s a unique situation. I’m excited to come in here and play in the Saddledome. I’ve always had a lot of fun playing here in the past. I’m looking forward to tonight.”
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