Bracebridge, Ontario, was buzzing yesterday as NHL players took the ice at the brand-new Muskoka Lumber Community Centre for the Muskoka Hockey event. The program, founded by former NHL forward Sam Gagner, was created as a summer training hub for pros while also offering youth development camps and an elite academy for players aged 14–20 competing at AA, AAA, Junior, or NCAA levels.
Building Muskoka Hockey
Although Gagner founded the program, he’s not running it alone. He brought in Brady Leavold as Head Development Coach. Leavold, a former WHLer and Tampa Bay Lightning signee, saw his playing career cut short by struggles with mental health and substance abuse. But instead of stepping away from hockey, he reinvented himself as a public speaker, advocate, and skills coach. Together, Gagner and Leavold have built one of Ontario’s premier hockey development programs something that was fully on display yesterday in Bracebridge.
The Players Who Took the Ice
The event featured a strong lineup of NHLers and prospects. While stars like John Tavares, Bo Horvat, and Sam Bennett were listed but did not appear, fans were treated to an exciting group that included:
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Brandon Montour – Seattle Kraken
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Adam Henrique – Edmonton Oilers
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Dylan Cozens – Ottawa Senators
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Connor Brown – New Jersey Devils
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Taylor Hall – Carolina Hurricanes
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Erik Gudbranson – Columbus Blue Jackets
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Kevin Bahl – Calgary Flames
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Sam Gagner – Ottawa Senators, Director of Player Development
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Nathan Bastian – Dallas Stars
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Plus several top prospects including Isaak Phillips, Philippe Daoust, and Stephen Halliday
High-Tempo Drills and Scrimmage
The day began with intense drills three-on-two rushes, tight-space passing sequences, and four-on-three work inside the blue line. Even in a training environment, the speed and skill stood out. One of the biggest surprises was Erik Gudbranson, known more for his defensive play, showing off sharp passing and offensive creativity.
After drills, the players split into Team Blue (Gagner, Cozens, Bahl, Brown, Phillips, Russell, Cholach) and Team White (Montour, Hall, Gudbranson, Henrique, Bastian, Halliday, Daoust) for a three-on-three scrimmage. In a fun, fast-paced matchup, Team Blue pulled off a 7–5 win before a lighthearted shootout capped things off.
Connecting with Fans
For local fans, this wasn’t just about drills and goals it was about access to their hockey heroes. After the scrimmage, kids lined up upstairs for autographs, with players like Cozens, Hall, Gudbranson, and Gagner signing everything from jerseys to Muskoka Hockey hats. Over 175 fans attended the session, creating a buzz that lasted well beyond the rink.
During interviews, players highlighted why these events matter:
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Erik Gudbranson: “My family is local, this is home for me now. My kids will skate here and play here. That’s what makes this so special.”
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Sam Gagner: “This community is incredible. Growing up with my dad in the NHL fuelled my passion for the game. I hope the kids watching here today feel that same spark.”
Now in its second year, Muskoka Hockey’s summer showcase has quickly become a highlight for players and fans alike. With its mix of elite training, youth development, and community engagement, the program has carved out a special role in Ontario’s hockey culture. Gagner closed the event with a smile, telling fans: “I’d be remiss if I didn’t say—Go Leafs Go.”
For those in Southern and Northern Ontario, this is more than just a hockey event it’s an experience that brings NHL stars closer to the community. Muskoka Hockey plans to return annually, giving fans and young players alike another reason to circle late August on their calendars.
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