Brendan Gaunce

Brendan was born to Stephen and Julie Gaunce in Sudbury, Ontario, but grew up in Markham, Ontario.{{cite web |url=https://vancouversun.com/sports/Vancouver+Canucks+take+Brendan+Gaunce+with+their+draft+pick/6828201/story.html|title=Vancouver Canucks key on character, take Brendan Gaunce with their top NHL draft pick|work = The Vancouver Sun|publisher=Postmedia Network Inc|accessdate=July 9, 2012|date=June 22, 2012|last=MacIntyre|first=Iain}}{{cite web|url=http://www.intelligencer.ca/2012/06/23/subban-gaunce-go-in-first-round-zharkov-a-third-rounder|title=Subban, Gaunce go in first round; Zharkov a third-rounder|work=Belleville Intelligencer|publisher=Canoe Sun Media|accessdate=July 9, 2012|date=June 22, 2012|last=Sweetland|first=Josh|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325173416/http://www.intelligencer.ca/2012/06/23/subban-gaunce-go-in-first-round-zharkov-a-third-rounder|archive-date=March 25, 2014|url-status=dead}} He has two siblings; a brother and a sister.{{cite web|url=http://www.bellevillebulls.com/roster/show/id/2004|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130118020529/http://www.bellevillebulls.com/roster/show/id/2004|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 18, 2013|title=Belleville Bulls Player Profile|publisher=Canadian Hockey League|accessdate=July 9, 2012}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://calgaryherald.com/sports/hockey/canucks-hockey/good+says+Mike+Gillis/6828502/story.html|title=Brendan Gaunce: Canucks draft gritty centre who oozes intangibles|work=The Province|publisher=Postmedia Network Inc|accessdate=July 9, 2012|date=June 22, 2012|last=Botchford|first=Jason|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625225524/http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/hockey/canucks-hockey/good+says+Mike+Gillis/6828502/story.html|archive-date=June 25, 2012|url-status=dead}} 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.

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). 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/league_results.php?lid=ohl1989&sid=2011|title=Ontario Hockey League 2010-11 Schedule and Results|publisher=Internet Hockey Database|accessdate=July 9, 2012}} 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.

At the beginning of his second season, Gaunce was named an alternate captain for the Bulls. 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. Gaunce finished the season as a point a game player registering 28 goals and 40 assists in 68 games.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/canucks-get-physical-with-26th-pick-brendan-gaunce-1.1170762|title=Canucks get physical with 26th pick Brendan Gaunce|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=July 9, 2012|date=June 22, 2012|agency = The Canadian Press}} 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4391749|title=OHL Announces Academic Player of the Year Award Winners|publisher=Ontario Hockey League|accessdate=July 9, 2012|date=April 26, 2012}} 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.{{cite web |url=http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2012/06/22/get-to-know-a-draft-pick-brendan-gaunce/|title=Get to know a draft pick — Brendan Gaunce|publisher=NBC Sports|accessdate=July 9, 2012|date=June 22, 2012|last = O'Brien|first=James}} 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. On November 26, 2013, Brendan Gaunce was traded from the Belleville Bulls to the Erie Otters.

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/canucks-recall-biega-gaunce/c-785262|title=Canucks recall Biega & Gaunce|publisher=National Hockey League|date=October 28, 2015|accessdate=October 28, 2015}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/benns-ot-goal-lifts-stars-past-canucks/c-176246|title=Benn's OT goal lifts Stars past Canucks|publisher=National Hockey League|date=October 29, 2015|accessdate=October 29, 2015}} The next day, Gaunce scored his first NHL goal against Anders Lindback of the Arizona Coyotes in a 4–3 Canucks win.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/bachman-canucks-hang-on-to-defeat-coyotes/c-176375|title=Bachman, Canucks hang on to defeat Coyotes|publisher=National Hockey League|date=October 30, 2015|accessdate=October 30, 2015}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/carolina-hurricanes-vancouver-canucks-game-recap/c-282741848|title=Brandon Sutter gives Canucks win in OT|publisher=National Hockey League|date=October 16, 2016|accessdate=October 17, 2016}}

On August 9, 2017, the Canucks re-signed Gaunce to a two-year, $1.5 million contract worth $750,000 annually.{{cite web|title=Canucks sign forward Brendan Gaunce|url=https://www.nhl.com/canucks/news/vancouver-canucks-sign-brendan-gaunce/c-290628824|website=NHL.com|accessdate=April 24, 2018|date=August 9, 2017}} Gaunce broke his foot in February and was set to be out for 2–4 weeks.{{cite web|title=Canucks' Gaunce (foot) out 2-4 weeks|url=https://www.tsn.ca/canucks-gaunce-foot-out-2-4-weeks-1.993023|website=tsn.ca|accessdate=April 24, 2018|date=February 8, 2018}}

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.{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bruins-announce-seven-transactions-on-july-1/c-308149348 | title = Bruins announce seven transactions on July 1 | publisher = Boston Bruins | date = July 1, 2019 | accessdate = July 1, 2019}} In the {{nhly|2019}} 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.{{cite web| url = https://www.vaxjolakers.se/artikel/1bauakjfp-4af7d/forward-klar-for-vaxjo-lakers | title = Forward Gaunce signs for Lakers | publisher = Växjö Lakers | date = January 2, 2021 | accessdate = January 2, 2021 | language = Swedish}} 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.{{cite web| url = https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/columbus-blue-jackets-sign-forward-brendan-gaunce-to-one-year-two-way-nhlahl-contract-for-2021-22-season/c-325877428 | title = CBJ signs Brendan Gaunce to a one-year, two-way contract | publisher = Columbus Blue Jackets | date = July 30, 2021 | accessdate = July 30, 2021}}

Gaunce decided to re-up with the Blue Jackets by signing a two-year, $1.525 million contract on June 18, 2022.{{cite web| url = https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/2022/06/blue-jackets-re-sign-brendan-gaunce.html | title = Blue Jackets Re-Sign Brendan Gaunce | date = June 18, 2022 | accessdate = September 3, 2022}}

After three seasons within the Blue Jackets organization, Gaunce left as a free agent and was signed to a two-year, two-way contract with the Minnesota Wild on July 1, 2024.{{citeweb| url = https://www.nhl.com/wild/news/minnesota-wild-agrees-to-terms-with-eight-players-070124 | title = Minnesota Wild agrees to terms with eight players | publisher = Minnesota Wild | date = July 1, 2024 | accessdate = July 1, 2024 }} One year into his tenure with the Wild, however, Gaunce was traded back to Columbus in exchange for Cameron Butler.{{cite web |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/blue-jackets-acquire-forward-brendan-gaunce-minnesota-cameron-butler |title=Blue Jackets acquire F Brendan Gaunce from Minnesota in exchange for F Cameron Butler |website=nhl.com |date=June 26, 2025}}

{{MedalTableTop| name = no}}

{{MedalSport | Ice hockey}}

{{MedalCountry | {{ih|Canada}} }}

{{MedalCompetition|IIHF World U18 Championship}}

{{MedalBronze | 2012 Czech Republic|}}

{{MedalCompetition|Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament}}

{{MedalGold | 2011 Slovakia & Czech Republic|}}

{{MedalCountry|{{flagicon|Ontario}} Ontario}}

{{MedalCompetition|World U-17 Hockey Challenge}}

{{MedalGold | 2011 Manitoba|}}

{{MedalBottom}}

Gaunce made his international debut at the 2011 World U-17 Hockey Challenge representing team Ontario.{{cite web |url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/75137/la_id/1/season_id/146657/profile_id/146692/team_id/78370/ss_id/74637/|title=2011 World U-17 Hockey Challenge Team Ontario Profile|publisher=Hockey Canada|accessdate=July 9, 2012}} 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/147052/la_id/1.htm|title=2011 World U-17 Hockey Challenge Schedule and Results|publisher=Hockey Canada|accessdate=July 9, 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/75138/la_id/1/game_id/146774/season_id/146657/ss_id/74637/|title=Game Summary West 3 - Ontario 4 |publisher=Hockey Canada|accessdate=July 9, 2012|last=Parker|first=Andrew}} 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/75138/la_id/1/game_id/146783/season_id/146657/ss_id/74637/|title=Game Summary Pacific 2 - Ontario 4|publisher=Hockey Canada|accessdate=July 9, 2012|last=McDonald|first=Alyssa}} Ontario defeated Quebec 2–1 in overtime to advance to the gold medal game. In the gold medal game Gaunce scored the third goal in a 5–3 victory.{{cite web |url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/75138/la_id/1/game_id/146814/season_id/146657/ss_id/74637/|title=Ontario 5 - United States 3 Monahan Scores Twice, Including Winner, as Ontario Claims U17 Gold|publisher=Hockey Canada|accessdate=July 9, 2012}}

Later in the year Gaunce represented Canada at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/171235/la_id/1.htm|title=2011 Memorial of Ivan Hlinka Schedule and Results|publisher=Hockey Canada|accessdate=July 10, 2012}} In the semi-final game Gaunce assisted on Team Canada's third goal in a 5–0 victory of the Russians.{{cite web |url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/75138/la_id/1/game_id/171222/season_id/171159/ss_id/170371/|title=Canada 5 - Russia 0 Shot at Redemption: Canada Downs Russia in Hlinka Semis, to Face Sweden in Final|publisher=Hockey Canada|accessdate=July 10, 2012|agency = The Canadian Press}} 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.{{cite web |url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/75138/la_id/1/game_id/171231/season_id/171159/ss_id/170371/|title=Canada Wins Fourth Straight Gold at Ivan Hlinka with 4-1 Victory Over Sweden|publisher=Hockey Canada|accessdate=July 10, 2012|agency = The Canadian Press}}{{cite web|url=http://hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/75136/la_id/1/player_id/150697/profile_id/189300/season_id/175716/ss_id/170371/|title=Hockey Canada Player Profile|publisher=Hockey Canada|accessdate=July 9, 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130115114926/http://hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/75136/la_id/1/player_id/150697/profile_id/189300/season_id/175716/ss_id/170371/|archivedate=January 15, 2013|df=mdy-all}}

Gaunce again played for Team Canada the following year at the 2012 IIHF World U18 Championships.{{cite web |url=http://webarchive.iihf.com/competition/292/teams/CAN.html|work=IIHF|title=Canada Roster|access-date=July 10, 2012}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/292/IHM292300_76_14_0.pdf|title=IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship Preliminary Round Results|access-date=July 10, 2012|archive-date=August 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826164739/http://reports.iihf.hockey/Hydra/292/IHM292300_76_14_0.pdf|work=IIHF|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/292/IHM292A13_74_3_0.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504073836/http://reports.iihf.hockey/Hydra/292/IHM292A13_74_3_0.pdf|url-status=live|archive-date=May 4, 2021|work=IIHF|title=IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship Preliminary Round - Group A - Game 13|access-date=July 10, 2012}} For his performance Gaunce was named player of the game for Team Canada.{{cite web|url=https://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/292/IHM292000_85K_10_0.pdf|title=Best Player of the Game Selected by Team|access-date=July 10, 2012|archive-date=August 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826164737/http://reports.iihf.hockey/Hydra/292/IHM292000_85K_10_0.pdf|work=IIHF|url-status=live}} Canada lost its next game finishing the preliminary round with a 2–2–0 record, third place in their pool. Canada qualified for the quarterfinals where they defeated the Russians 4–2.{{cite web|url=https://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/292/IHM2929900_76_10_0.pdf|title=Final Rankings|access-date=July 10, 2012|archive-date=August 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826164736/http://reports.iihf.hockey/Hydra/292/IHM2929900_76_10_0.pdf|work=IIHF|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/292/IHM292227_74_3_0.pdf|title=IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship Semifinals - Game 27|access-date=July 10, 2012|archive-date=August 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826164738/http://reports.iihf.hockey/Hydra/292/IHM292227_74_3_0.pdf|work=IIHF|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/292/IHM292130_74_5_0.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504031408/http://reports.iihf.hockey/Hydra/292/IHM292130_74_5_0.pdf|url-status=live|archive-date=May 4, 2021|work=IIHF|title=IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship Bronze Medal Game - Game 30|access-date=July 10, 2012}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Gaunce, Brendan}}

Category:1994 births

Category:Belleville Bulls players

Category:Boston Bruins players

Category:Canadian ice hockey centres

Category:Cleveland Monsters players

Category:Columbus Blue Jackets players

Category:Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States

Category:Iowa Wild players

Category:Living people

Category:Minnesota Wild players

Category:NHL first-round draft picks

Category:Providence Bruins players

Category:Ice hockey people from Greater Sudbury

Category:Utica Comets players

Category:Vancouver Canucks draft picks

Category:Vancouver Canucks players

Category:Växjö Lakers players

Category:21st-century Canadian sportsmen