Hamonic aiming to crack Islander lineup

    The Moose Jaw Warriors defenceman is trying to crack the New York Islanders roster at training camp in Saskatoon. He’s going to camp with the attitude that he can make the team if he works hard enough.     “As good as I play, I think that’s how far I will go,” said Hamonic. “I want to make sure I’m performing to keep getting ice time. I have to keep proving to management that I deserve those games.     “Given an opportunity, I’m going to make the best of it. You have to take what they give you and make the best you every chance. It’s a great experience. My eyes and ears are open and my mouth is shut and I’m enjoying it.”     Hamonic’s eyes were open, but it couldn’t have been easy after a couple of crazy days.     Tuesday he practiced in the morning before joining the Isles’ rookie team for an exhibition game against the University of Saskatchewan in Prince Albert. Hamonic was a plus-two in the 5-3 win. He and his teammates arrived back at their Saskatoon hotel at 12:15 a.m. and Hamonic was up at 6 a.m. to be at the rink at 7 a.m. for another morning skate.     That early morning wake-up call was made a little easier when he learned he would be part of the group who would board an afternoon flight to Edmonton and face the Oilers later Wednesday night.     “It’s a familiar setting, driving back home from P.A. in the middle of the night,” said Hamonic, who flew from Regina to Long Island to do his physical last Friday before flying to Saskatoon Saturday. “But it is much nicer to be jumping on a charter flight to Edmonton.     “You don’t have much down time. It’s been pretty hectic to say the least.”     The six-foot defenceman is far from complaining and definitely appreciates the perks at the highest level of the game.     “There’s so many business people, trainers, coaches and management,” said Hamonic. “Everything is pretty hectic, but everything is always organized. They make sure that all we have to do is strap on the gear and play hockey. That’s the neat thing at the pro level — they are a lot of people working for you and you’re very fortunate to have that.”