Experience is key for Hamara heading into sophomore pro season

After making the jump to professional hockey last season, Belleville Senators defenceman Tomas Hamara enters the upcoming campaign with something he didn’t have a year ago: experience.

The 21-year-old spent his first full professional season learning the pace and physicality of the American Hockey League, and after several months away from the rink, he told the Belleville Sens Entertainment Network that he’s eager to put those lessons into practice.

“Yeah, for sure, I mean I am already excited to get back and start the season, because training has already been pretty long,” Hamara said. “I feel really good already; I am honestly excited for camp to start, get going, see the fans, and play some meaningful hockey.”

Before returning to Belleville, Hamara has enjoyed a well-earned summer back home in Prague, Czechia, spending time with family and friends while taking a brief break from hockey. The season can be long and strenuous, making the offseason an opportunity to reconnect with those who mean the most.

“It’s been amazing, spending time with family and friends. Just thinking about different things than hockey is nice, so I’ve enjoyed it so far.”

The offseason has been filled with simple pleasures, from playing paddle and tennis to barbecues with family. Hamara also took some time to travel and unwind. First, he and his girlfriend travelled to London to see The Weeknd in concert before taking a week-long family vacation to Egypt.

“Just tried to spend time with my friends, playing paddle or tennis, stuff like that,” Hamara mentioned. “Obviously some family things as well, barbecuing and hanging out. I went to London for a concert for a few days with my girlfriend which I liked a lot but really nothing crazy. I also went on vacation recently to Egypt as well which is where I really got to disconnect. We went for a week to an all-inclusive, but I didn’t go out and see the pyramids.”

Unlike many North American players, who occasionally get to see family throughout the season, Hamara’s situation is much different. When he returns home to Prague during the summer, he gets the opportunity to spend meaningful time with his family. Although hockey keeps him busy throughout the day, simply being under the same roof again means a lot after leaving home at such a young age.

“They are really happy to see me (Hamara when speaking about his parents), I still live at home here in Prague so even though they see me everyday, they don’t see me for most of the day because my skating, training, and I’m doing different things, but still it’s nice,” Hamara said. “I’ve been away from home since 14, so every minute I can spend with them is worth it.”

Leaving home as a teenager wasn’t easy, but Hamara says it’s become part of the journey toward achieving his NHL dream.

“Yeah it’s hard but I am just kinda used to it, it’s just how it is, so it’s easier than it used to be. That’s life, I’m chasing my dream so I wouldn’t change that.”

That mindset has also carried into his offseason training. As a rookie last season, adjusting his game was inevitable, but also necessary for his development. After spending considerable time reflecting on his first professional season, Hamara has identified several areas of his game he hopes to improve before returning to Belleville.

“I’ve spent a lot of time analyzing last season. It was great, there was so much I learned last year that I am excited to use next year. There are different parts of my game that I need to work on, like getting stronger. I’m not the biggest guy so I’ve been working hard in the gym but also on the ice, working on how to approach bigger guys. Another big thing is details, my passing, skating, and my shot, my skills coach helps me with that and we talk about those aspects a lot and so far I think I’ve done a good job.”

With several new additions joining the Senators this season, Hamara is excited about the direction of the club. For Belleville, returning to the Calder Cup Playoffs is a major goal after missing the postseason last year.

“For sure, I’m really excited to see how our season goes next year and hopefully I can be a big part of that.”

Another familiar face returning is head coach Andrew Campbell, who was named Belleville’s full-time bench boss after taking over on an interim basis last season. Like many of his teammates, Hamara had plenty of praise for his new head coach.

“I’ve know Soupy since Juniors, he’s great. Helped me a lot as a defenceman, at that age. Last year in the beginning, it was hard for me as I was trying to adjust to pro hockey. He helped me but also the other defenecman and other guys. It’s obviously pretty hard with how it all happened, a sudden change. I think we played well under him and I’m happy for him that he got the full-time head coach job.”

Although still one of the younger players on the roster, Hamara believes the lessons he learned during his first professional season can help others making the same transition.

“It’s tough to say because we are all different players in different positions,” Hamara said. “I would say for everyone just to learn everyday, we have guys who can shoot the puck pretty well, watch them and how they do things, watch different defenceman on different teams and how they play. I found doing that helped me a lot but also keeping an inner peace when things don’t go well, just kinda stay in the middle, don’t get too high or too low.”

Finding that balance away from the rink has become equally important. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee or getting together with teammates for a meal, Hamara enjoys taking his mind off hockey and spending time with those around him.

“I like to go with my teammates to Benji’s coffee for example or Toro sushi, those are my favourite places personally,” Hamara exclaimed. “I try to think about things that aren’t just about hockey, just trying to turn things off and talk about life, family, friends, and things like that.”

Now, with training camp just around the corner, Hamara admits it’s hard not to think about returning to CAA Arena. Belleville opens its season on Oct. 2 against the newest addition to the North Division, the Hamilton Hammers. For the young Czech defenceman, it’s a moment he has been eagerly anticipating.

“Super excited,” Hamara said. “I’ve seen the first few weeks of our schedule and it brought back memories from last year, thinking about our fans and the atmosphere, it’s giving me goosebumps.”

Until then, the focus remains the same.

“Just training and skating pretty much everyday. I’ve actually started boxing once a week, so it’s been really fun. Probably no more trips at this point but just really the same things as always. Spend time with family and friends.”

For Hamara, this summer has been about recharging, reflecting and preparing for what’s next. With a full professional season behind him and another opportunity ahead, the young defenceman returns to Belleville hoping the lessons learned during his rookie year become the foundation for an even bigger role this season.

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