SUNDAY FEATURE: Gaunce's Return To Belleville A Trip Down Memory Lane

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BELLEVILLE, Ont. - When the Cleveland Monsters rolled into Belleville last weekend on their first road trip of the 2021-22 season, it was a homecoming of sorts for forward Brenden Guance as he returned to the Friendly City an experienced centre that honed his craft with the Belleville Bulls (2010-14)

The Monsters put in a near-perfect performance on the season's first road trip north of the border, earning five out of a possible six points versus the Belleville Senators and Toronto Marlies.

For Gaunce, the return to Belleville brought along his first goal of the season. And after the game the Belleville Bulls' alumnus reminisced about his time in the Friendly City, where he played Major Junior from 2010-14.

"You take a leap of faith when you're 16 years old. [You] leave your hometown to do something. My fiancée's family is from Stirling. This will always be a spot that has great memories for me, and I hope to keep it going. You grow up when you come to the OHL and learn a lot about yourself, and I have Belleville to thank for that. It was all around a great time."

As evidence of his special connection with the community, the then 18-year-old team captain donated $1,500 to the Quinte Children's Foundation to support its Build A Player initiative in April of 2013. The program helped provide hockey equipment to children and families who have difficulty with the large price tag of these items.

Gaunce, who grew up in Markham, Ontario, has always spoken highly of the Quinte region and its community members. His only regret seems to be not bringing Belleville an OHL title, "Everyone was always great to me here. I had a great three and half years. Unfortunately, we didn't win the championship; other than that, I have nothing but great memories."

Gaunce wins Swedish league title with Vaxjo in 2020-21

In the offseason, Gaunce signed a one-year, two-way contract for the 2021-22 season with the Columbus Blue Jackets on July 31st.

In order to stay in game shape during the irregular AHL/NHL season in North America, he traveled to Europe, playing in the Swedish Hockey League with Vaxjo HC, where he collected 12 points (5G,7A) in 18 games, winning the Le Mat Trophy as a league champion.

"I think last year you had to take some risks; there were a lot of players on NHL taxi squads that might not have played a lot of hockey. I wanted to take a risk. I wanted to challenge myself, and I thought it was awesome. At the start, you're a little nervous going into a new place. Obviously not at the start of the year, so don't really get to know the guys, I went in January, but it all worked out in the end."

A veteran of 246 AHL and 118 NHL games to go along with a season (and championship) in the SHL, the 27-year-old plays an honest two-way game, bringing a balanced style to Cleveland. The big 6-foot-1, 217 pound pivot centers Cleveland's top line, which also boasts top Blue Jackets' prospects Tyler Angle and Liam Foudy.

The former first-round NHL selection reflected on his role with both second-year players.

"[I] have to be confident in whatever role I'm put in," Gaunce said. "I feel like I can excel, and right now, it's playing with those guys and making sure the finer details of the game are being done and letting them create offense."

The complete game he developed in Belleville is a major strength in getting top performances from his highly skilled linemates.

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