Bulls’ Brendan Gaunce signs with Vancouver Canucks

Years of hard work and determination have paid off for a Belleville Bull on Monday. Former second overall pick Brendan Gaunce inked an entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks after being selected 26th overall by the Western Conference’s best team through the regular season a year ago.

Gaunce, who was formerly the OHL’s second overall pick in the 2010 OHL Priority Selection, has lived up to expectations in the Friendly City. The Markham native has recorded 39 goals, 65 assists and 104 points in 133 OHL games since coming to Belleville two season ago. During his tenure in a Bulls uniform, Gaunce has established himself as one of Canadian Junior Hockey’s premier two-way centremen who’s game can excel in all three zones.

“It’s a tremendous day for Brendan and his family,” said Bulls Head Coach and General Manager George Burnett shortly after the announcement. “He came here as a rookie and has spent two seasons carrying a considerable amount of responsibility on a team that has gradually improved in his time here,” added Burnett. “It’s good to see his hard work paying off.”

In addition to an impressive resume crafted during his time in a Bulls uniform, Gaunce also has a pair of international gold medals including one claimed at the 2010 World Under 17 Hockey Championships in Winnipeg and another at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in the Czech Republic.

“Brendan has made the best of the opportunities he’s been given. He’s a very versatile player who has proven the ability to perform under many circumstances and in several different scenarios. His maturity and leadership qualities have always been evident,” Burnett continued.

Gaunce attended his first NHL rookie camp this past summer and is currently preparing for training camp in Vancouver in early September.