Brendan Gaunce Bio
Brendan Gaunce (born March 25, 1994) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted 26th overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks. Gaunce has represented Canada twice, winning a gold medal at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and a bronze medal at the 2012 IIHF World U18 Championships.
Early Life and Background
Brendan Gaunce was born in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, to Stephen and Julie Gaunce. He grew up in Markham, Ontario, and has two siblings, including an older brother, Cameron, who was drafted in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche. Gaunce attended Markham District High School, where he played on the ice hockey team and was named to the Toronto Star High School Hockey All-Star First Team. He captained the Markham Waxers Minor Midget team, where he achieved remarkable success, scoring 55 goals and 148 points in 86 games during the 2009–10 season.
Path to Hockey
Gaunce was the highest-scoring minor midget player in Ontario in 2010 and was selected second overall in the OHL Priority Draft by the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He made his major junior debut in the 2010–11 OHL season, where he quickly made an impact by recording four assists in his second game. Gaunce finished his rookie season with 11 goals and 36 points, ranking 13th in OHL rookie scoring. In his second season, he was named an alternate captain and finished the season as a point-per-game player, registering 28 goals and 40 assists in 68 games.
Brendan Gaunce Career
Early Career (2014–2019)
Gaunce began his professional career with the Vancouver Canucks’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Utica Comets, during the 2014–15 season. He was a late cut from the Canucks’ training camp and reassigned to Utica to start the season. Gaunce made his NHL debut on October 29, 2015, against the Dallas Stars and scored his first NHL goal the following day against the Arizona Coyotes. He played the remainder of the season with the Canucks after being recalled multiple times.
Breakthrough (2016–2019)
Gaunce secured a spot on the Canucks’ roster at the start of the 2016–17 season, earning his first career assist in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes. He was re-signed by the Canucks in August 2017 to a two-year contract. However, injuries affected his performance, including a broken foot that sidelined him for several weeks. After five seasons with the Canucks, he became a free agent and signed with the Boston Bruins on July 1, 2019. Gaunce played only one game for the Bruins but had a productive season in the AHL with the Providence Bruins, recording 18 goals and 19 assists in 52 games.
Notable Works and Milestones
Brendan Gaunce’s signature work includes his time with the Vancouver Canucks, where he developed as a player and contributed to the team during his tenure. He also had a successful stint in the AHL, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills.
Brendan Gaunce Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Brendan Gaunce has received recognition for his performances, particularly during his junior career and in the AHL.
Brendan Gaunce Awards Won
Brendan Gaunce has achieved notable success in international play, including winning a gold medal at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and a bronze medal at the 2012 IIHF World U18 Championships.
Brendan Gaunce Family
Brendan Gaunce comes from a supportive family that has played a significant role in his development as a player. His older brother, Cameron Gaunce, is also involved in professional hockey, currently playing with the Ontario Reign in the American Hockey League.
Personal Life
Information regarding Brendan Gaunce’s personal life is limited, as he tends to keep his private life away from the public eye. He is focused on his career and continues to develop as a player in the NHL.
