Brendan Gaunce

Brendan Gaunce (born March 25, 1994) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who is currently playing with the Cleveland Monsters in the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to 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.

Brendan Gaunce
Gaunce with the Utica Comets in 2015
Born (1994-03-25) March 25, 1994
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Height 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Weight 217 lb (98 kg; 15 st 7 lb)
Position Centre / Left wing
Shoots Left
NHL team (P)
Cur. team
Former teams		 Columbus Blue Jackets
Cleveland Monsters (AHL)
Vancouver Canucks
Boston Bruins
Växjö Lakers
NHL Draft 26th overall, 2012
Vancouver Canucks
Playing career 2014–present

Gaunce has represented Canada twice. He won a gold medal at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and a bronze at the 2012 IIHF World U18 Championships. He also represented Ontario at the 2011 World U-17 Hockey Challenge where he won a gold medal.

Early life

Brendan was born to Stephen and Julie Gaunce in Sudbury, Ontario, but grew up in Markham, Ontario.[1][2] He has two siblings; a brother and a sister.[3] His older brother, Cameron, was drafted in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, and currently plays with the Ontario Reign in the AHL.[4] Gaunce attended Markham District High School where he played on their ice hockey team registering 4 goals and 21 points in 17 games. Despite playing much of the season on defence, he was named to the Toronto Star High School Hockey All-Star First Team. He also captained the Markham Waxers Minor Midget team, scoring 55 goals and 148 points in 86 games in 2009–10.[3]

Playing career

Junior

The highest scoring minor midget player in Ontario in 2010, Gaunce was taken second in the OHL Priority Draft after Alex Galchenyuk by the Belleville Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).[3] Gaunce made his major junior debut in the 2010–11 OHL season and in his second OHL game recorded a four assist game in a 7–4 win over the Peterborough Petes. In the following game, Gaunce scored his first career OHL goal.[3][5] He had a second 4-point game and added a 5-game point streak, finishing the season with 11 goals and 36 points, 13th in OHL rookie scoring.[3]

At the beginning of his second season, Gaunce was named an alternate captain for the Bulls.[3] During the season he earned the OHL Player of the Week award. He scored five goals and added an assist in three Belleville wins for the week ending November 27.[3] Gaunce finished the season as a point a game player registering 28 goals and 40 assists in 68 games.[6] At the end of the season Gaunce was Belleville's nominee for the Bobby Smith Trophy as scholastic player of the year, but lost out to Adam Pelech.[7] Before the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Gaunce was ranked 13th among North American skaters by the NHL's scouting department, and the top-ranked Canadian forward.[1][8] Projected to be a mid first round pick, he fell to 26th when he was selected by the Vancouver Canucks. Canucks' general manager Mike Gillis stated that going into the draft they had targeted Gaunce and if he had not been available Vancouver would have traded down to add extra picks.[1] On November 26, 2013, Brendan Gaunce was traded from the Belleville Bulls to the Erie Otters.

Professional

Gaunce played the entire 2014–15 season for the Canucks' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Utica Comets. Gaunce was a late cut from the Canucks' 2015 training camp and was again reassigned to Utica to start the season. He was recalled by the Canucks on October 28, 2015.[9]

On October 29, 2015, Gaunce made his NHL debut with the Canucks in a game against the Dallas Stars in a 4–3 overtime loss.[10] The next day, Gaunce scored his first NHL goal against Anders Lindback of the Arizona Coyotes in a 4–3 Canucks win.[11] He was reassigned to Utica on November 5. On March 1, 2016, Gaunce was again recalled by the Vancouver Canucks. He played in the remainder of the Canucks' games that season before returning to the Comets to finish the season.

At the start of the 2016–17 season, Gaunce made the Canucks' roster out of training camp for the first time in his career. He earned his first career assist on October 16, 2016; assisting on a Ben Hutton goal in a 4–3 overtime win against the Carolina Hurricanes.[12]

On August 9, 2017, the Canucks re-signed Gaunce to a two-year, $1.5 million contract worth $750,000 annually.[13] Gaunce broke his foot in February and was set to be out for 2–4 weeks.[14]

After five seasons within the Canucks organization, Gaunce left as a free agent after he was not tendered a qualifying offer. On July 1, 2019, Gaunce was signed to a one-year, two-way deal with the Boston Bruins worth $700,000.[15] In the 2019–20 season, Gaunce only played one game for the Bruins recording an assist. Gaunce played 52 games in the AHL for the Providence Bruins recording 18 goals and 19 assists.

After receiving no interest from NHL clubs, on January 2, 2021, Gaunce signed with the Växjö Lakers of the Swedish Hockey League with the intent of joining the club to finish the 2020–21 season.[16] Gaunce quickly transitioned to the larger European ice, recording 5 goals and 12 points and a +10 plus/minus rating in 18 contests. He added 7 points in 12 playoff games to help the club capture the SHL Championship.

As a free agent, Gaunce returned to North America in the off-season, securing a one-year, two-way contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets on July 30, 2021.[17]

Gaunce decided to re-up with the Blue Jackets by signing a two-year, $1.525 million contract on June 18, 2022.[18]

International play
Medal record
Ice hockey
Representing  Canada
IIHF World U18 Championship
Bronze medal – third place 2012 Czech Republic
Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament
Gold medal – first place 2011 Slovakia & Czech Republic
Representing Ontario Ontario
World U-17 Hockey Challenge
Gold medal – first place 2011 Manitoba

Gaunce made his international debut at the 2011 World U-17 Hockey Challenge representing team Ontario.[19] After winning their first two games Team Ontario was leading Team West 3–2 early in the third when Gaunce assisted on an insurance goal by Matia Marcantuoni. Ontario eventually won the game 4–3 to remain unbeaten and clinch a spot in the semi-final.[20][21] In Ontario's final preliminary game Gaunce scored two second period goals helping Ontario to the 4–2 win over team Pacific. Gaunce was named player of the game for Ontario.[22] Ontario defeated Quebec 2–1 in overtime to advance to the gold medal game.[20] In the gold medal game Gaunce scored the third goal in a 5–3 victory.[23]

Later in the year Gaunce represented Canada at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.[3] Team Canada lost its opening game to Sweden 5–1, but finished the preliminary round with a 2–1 record and received a spot in the semi-finals.[24] In the semi-final game Gaunce assisted on Team Canada's third goal in a 5–0 victory of the Russians.[25] Canada re-matched Sweden in the Final with Gaunce scoring early in the third to give the Canadians a two-goal advantage then assisting on another goal mid-way through the period. Canada defeated Sweden 4–1 winning the gold medal, Canada's fourth straight at the tournament.[26][27]

Gaunce again played for Team Canada the following year at the 2012 IIHF World U18 Championships.[28] After Canada started the tournament with split decisions Gaunce scored two first period goals and added an assist in a 6–2 win over the Czech Republic.[29][30] For his performance Gaunce was named player of the game for Team Canada.[31] Canada lost its next game finishing the preliminary round with a 2–2–0 record, third place in their pool.[29] Canada qualified for the quarterfinals where they defeated the Russians 4–2.[32] In the Semi-final game Canada lost to the United States 2–1. Despite not registering a point Gaunce was named player of the game for the Canadians.[31][33] With the loss Canada faced Finland in the bronze medal game. In the first period Gaunce was hooked by Ville Pokka resulting in a penalty shot opportunity. Gaunce failed to score on the penalty shot, but registered a shorthanded goal in the second period. Canada defeated Finland 5–4 capturing the bronze medal.[34]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs
    Regular season   Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2009–10 Markham Waxers AAA ETA U16 86559314854 —————
2010–11 Belleville Bulls OHL 6511253640 40004
2011–12 Belleville Bulls OHL 6828406868 61232
2012–13 Belleville Bulls OHL 6033276044 178142210
2013–14 Belleville Bulls OHL 2210162627 —————
2013–14 Erie Otters OHL 4321254632 145111616
2014–15 Utica Comets AHL 7411182931 2145912
2015–16 Utica Comets AHL 4617213816 40004
2015–16 Vancouver Canucks NHL 201012 —————
2016–17 Vancouver Canucks NHL 5705533 —————
2016–17 Utica Comets AHL 42132 —————
2017–18 Utica Comets AHL 52130 —————
2017–18 Vancouver Canucks NHL 3742610 —————
2018–19 Utica Comets AHL 6016223854 —————
2018–19 Vancouver Canucks NHL 31230 —————
2019–20 Providence Bruins AHL 5218193734 —————
2019–20 Boston Bruins NHL 10112 —————
2020–21 Växjö Lakers SHL 18571218 1234729
2021–22 Cleveland Monsters AHL 3916122828 —————
2021–22 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 3052712 —————
2022–23 Cleveland Monsters AHL 177111818 —————
2022–23 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 50112 —————
NHL totals 15311132461 —————

International
Year Team Event Result   GP G A Pts PIM
2011 Canada Ontario U17 1st place, gold medalist(s) 6 3 1 4 18
2011 Canada IH18 1st place, gold medalist(s) 5 1 3 4 2
2012 Canada U18 3rd place, bronze medalist(s) 7 3 1 4 8
Junior totals 18751228

Awards and honours
Award Year
CHL
CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game 2012
SHL
Le Mat Trophy (Växjö Lakers) 2021 [35]

References
  1. MacIntyre, Iain (June 22, 2012). "Vancouver Canucks key on character, take Brendan Gaunce with their top NHL draft pick". The Vancouver Sun. Postmedia Network Inc. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  2. Sweetland, Josh (June 22, 2012). "Subban, Gaunce go in first round; Zharkov a third-rounder". Belleville Intelligencer. Canoe Sun Media. Archived from the original on March 25, 2014. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  3. "Belleville Bulls Player Profile". Canadian Hockey League. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  4. Botchford, Jason (June 22, 2012). "Brendan Gaunce: Canucks draft gritty centre who oozes intangibles". The Province. Postmedia Network Inc. Archived from the original on June 25, 2012. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  5. "Ontario Hockey League 2010-11 Schedule and Results". Internet Hockey Database. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  6. "Canucks get physical with 26th pick Brendan Gaunce". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The Canadian Press. June 22, 2012. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  7. "OHL Announces Academic Player of the Year Award Winners". Ontario Hockey League. April 26, 2012. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  8. O'Brien, James (June 22, 2012). "Get to know a draft pick — Brendan Gaunce". NBC Sports. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  9. "Canucks recall Biega & Gaunce". National Hockey League. October 28, 2015. Retrieved October 28, 2015.
  10. "Benn's OT goal lifts Stars past Canucks". National Hockey League. October 29, 2015. Retrieved October 29, 2015.
  11. "Bachman, Canucks hang on to defeat Coyotes". National Hockey League. October 30, 2015. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
  12. "Brandon Sutter gives Canucks win in OT". National Hockey League. October 16, 2016. Retrieved October 17, 2016.
  13. "Canucks sign forward Brendan Gaunce". NHL.com. August 9, 2017. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  14. "Canucks' Gaunce (foot) out 2-4 weeks". tsn.ca. February 8, 2018. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  15. "Bruins announce seven transactions on July 1". Boston Bruins. July 1, 2019. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
  16. "Forward Gaunce signs for Lakers" (in Swedish). Växjö Lakers. January 2, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
  17. "CBJ signs Brendan Gaunce to a one-year, two-way contract". Columbus Blue Jackets. July 30, 2021. Retrieved July 30, 2021.
  18. "Blue Jackets Re-Sign Brendan Gaunce". June 18, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2022.
  19. "2011 World U-17 Hockey Challenge Team Ontario Profile". Hockey Canada. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  20. "2011 World U-17 Hockey Challenge Schedule and Results". Hockey Canada. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  21. Parker, Andrew. "Game Summary West 3 - Ontario 4". Hockey Canada. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  22. McDonald, Alyssa. "Game Summary Pacific 2 - Ontario 4". Hockey Canada. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  23. "Ontario 5 - United States 3 Monahan Scores Twice, Including Winner, as Ontario Claims U17 Gold". Hockey Canada. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  24. "2011 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Schedule and Results". Hockey Canada. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  25. "Canada 5 - Russia 0 Shot at Redemption: Canada Downs Russia in Hlinka Semis, to Face Sweden in Final". Hockey Canada. The Canadian Press. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  26. "Canada Wins Fourth Straight Gold at Ivan Hlinka with 4-1 Victory Over Sweden". Hockey Canada. The Canadian Press. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  27. "Hockey Canada Player Profile". Hockey Canada. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved July 9, 2012.
  28. "Canada Roster". International Ice Hockey Federation. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  29. "IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship Preliminary Round Results" (PDF). International Ice Hockey Federation. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 26, 2022. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  30. "IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship Preliminary Round - Group A - Game 13" (PDF). International Ice Hockey Federation. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 4, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  31. "Best Player of the Game Selected by Team" (PDF). International Ice Hockey Federation. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 26, 2022. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  32. "Final Rankings" (PDF). International Ice Hockey Federation. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 26, 2022. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  33. "IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship Semifinals - Game 27" (PDF). International Ice Hockey Federation. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 26, 2022. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  34. "IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship Bronze Medal Game - Game 30" (PDF). International Ice Hockey Federation. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 4, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  35. "Vaxjo go 3-for-3 in SHL finals". International Ice Hockey Federation. May 13, 2021. Retrieved May 13, 2021.
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