Yesterday, Muskoka Hockey hosted an event in Bracebridge, Ontario, and among the NHL stars who took part, Columbus Blue Jackets’ Erik Gudbranson was one of the players on the ice.
Muskoka Hockey was founded by former NHLer Sam Gagner, who has transitioned his career into helping other players develop their on-ice skills and giving them a place to train in the summers. Gudbranson skated alongside Taylor Hall of the Carolina Hurricanes, Dylan Cozens of the Ottawa Senators, and Brandon Montour of the Seattle Kraken.
The event had two parts. First, the on-ice portion, where the players ran a mini-practice followed by a scrimmage and a shootout. Then it moved into an autograph signing, where kids got to meet Gudbranson, Hall, Gagner, and Cozens and have their items signed.
After everything wrapped up, I had the chance to talk with the players about the event. When it came time to speak with Gudbranson, I asked him two questions.
The first was about his health and how he’s feeling. He told me that he “feels great” and is ready for the upcoming 2025-26 season. I also asked him what events like this mean and why they are so special, to which he replied: “My family is local, this is what it’s all about. This is home for me now, I spend my summers here and hopefully many, many years in the future. My kids will skate here and will play here.”
Gudbranson, who missed part of the 2024-25 season, looked sharp during the practice, which had a strong pace. The scrimmage carried that same intensity, and he stood out with a few strong plays, including some breakaway chances.
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