‘It’s survival mode’: Canadian hockey player stranded in warzone in Israel-Iran conflict

Canadian hockey player Timothy Payne had no idea he would find himself stuck in a warzone when he went to play in Israel earlier this month.

He describes each day as “survival mode” ever since the war between Israel and Iran began.

Payne said the only message he has received from the Canadian government essentially says, “you’re on your own.”

Now all he can do is hope he survives and returns home to his loved ones in Canada.

“This is beyond my imagination of what would have happened,” said Payne.

Payne arrived in Israel on June 1, with 15 other Canadians to play in the Israel Elite Hockey League.

“It was safe, there was no panic about a war happening,” said Payne. “Well, that changed quickly a week into the trip.”

The 29-year-old Torontonian found himself going from playing hockey, to running from bomb shelter to bomb shelter, as Iranian missiles pounded Israel.

“The bombings started around 11 o’clock, and they don’t end until daylight, pretty much,” said Payne. “Even during the day we’ll be on the beach and we’ll get alarms, and then the whole beach runs off into shelter and then everyone is crowded in.”

The experience is taking a toll on his mental health, as desperation to get home grows.

“The sleep schedule has just reversed – it’s rest during the day when you can, when it’s quiet, so you can be alert at night,” said Payne. “It’s…it’s bad. I don’t know what to say, I mean it’s not that bad – physically we’re okay, but we’re scared – we just want to get out.”

Payne said he was received a message from the Canadian government, but with no solid solution.

“The Canadian government sent us a message saying we’re on our own for getting home – not to rely on them,” he said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand posted on X saying the government is planning commercial options for Canadians in Israel, the West Bank, and Iran to leave the region via certain neighbouring countries.

We are assisting Canadians who want to leave the region impacted by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

See more: pic.twitter.com/aXLV2VQXQW

— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) June 19, 2025

Payne said he doesn’t know when he can leave, as the conflict continues to escalate.

Israel’s surprise attack on Iran’s nuclear program and targeted assassination of Iranian leadership sparked the air war, which is now a week in.

A strike on Israel Thursday morning damaged a major hospital in Beersheba.

Iran said it target a military site close to the hospital, not the facility itself.

Israel’s health ministry said at least 271 people were injured in strikes across the country.

With Payne near so much destruction, he said he thinks of his loved ones back home.

“It’s what’s keeping us going,” said Payne. “That’s what we’re trying to get home to: all our loved ones. That’s the motivation.”

At least 224 people have been reported killed in Iran since the conflict began, while 24 people in Israel have been reported killed.

While Canada’s foreign affairs website lists routes to travel out of Israel, Payne said travelling out of the country is easier said then done right now.

WATCH MORE: Russia launches biggest attack on Kyiv amid new G7 sanctions