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.

Jordan Dumais Invited To 2025 NHLPA Rookie Showcase Cleveland Monsters forward Jordan Dumais has been invited to the 2025 NHLPA Rookie Showcase, which is hosted by the NHLPA and UPPER DECK.

From The Archive: Will He Stay Or Will He Go? The Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features.

On This Date In 2016: Jared Bednar Is Hired By Colorado On this date in 2016, the <a href="http://thn.com/colorado">Colorado Avalanche</a> hired Jared Bednar away from the Columbus Blue Jackets organization. 

Blue Jackets Could Look To Flip Charlie Coyle At 2026 NHL Trade Deadline Just hours before the 2025 NHL Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche came together and worked out a deal that sent Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood to Columbus.

From The Archive: Sophomore Slump? How About A Bump The Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features.

Blue Jackets' Erik Gudbranson Participates In Muskoka Hockey Event