Why Sharks' Kevin Labanc considers his mom ‘a hero' during coronavirus

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Sharks winger Kevin Labanc remains in California, wishing he could be in New York.
 
That’s where his mother, Anika, is a front desk receptionist at a doctor’s office in a state hit especially hard by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
 
“She’s fighting this fight,” the Sharks forward said. ”It’s been a lot for her in the past month or two. She’s doing well, though.”

New York has over 334,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and nearly 27,000 people in the state have died, according to NBC News reporting.
 
Labanc is having to do the smart thing by keeping his distance from family, even though it’s not what he would prefer.
 
“I wish I could be there to support her,” Labanc said. “But (during) these times you really just have to stay in and do your part.”
 
Labanc is plainly proud of his mom, doing something considered heroic during current times.
 
“She has always been a hero to me, though,” Labanc said.

[RELATED: Sharks' Sorensen still skating, staying in 'normal' shape]
 
As for hockey, Labanc’s future is quite unpredictable at the moment. He will become a restricted free agent whenever the current season concludes in any fashion, and the 24-year-old is rumored to be a trade candidate.

Whether he stays in San Jose or not, Labanc has a lot of belief in the Sharks' ability to rebound and return to the playoffs next season.
 
“We have the tools, we have the players to do so," Labanc said. "It’s just a mindset.”

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