NOHA Player Gabe Gauvreau Makes Donation to Wigs for Kids

Shared with permission, Story by Brandon Maki, Staff Writer for SilverSevenSens.com and Host of the Internal Budget podcast.

Major Peewee AAA Sudbury Wolves’ forward Gabe Gauvreau may be known for his signature long hair, but the young alternate captain may be taking on a different identity now that it’s gone.

“I almost forgot what I looked like with short hair,” laughed Gauvreau.

Now that Gauvreau’s hair - once extending out of his helmet and almost halfway down his back - can no longer be seen while on the ice, those who watch him will instead get to learn about a player with generosity, and leadership skills that far exceed his age.

“If I’m going to cut my hair, why waste it when I could give it to someone who needs it?” Gauvreau explained.

After nearly six-and-a-half years of allowing his mane to grow freely, Gauvreau decided it was time for a change. But rather than simply cut it off for a new Instagram post, the 12 year-old displayed the leadership skills that his coaches and teammates have raved about for years, and found a way to put the needs of others before his own. The hair, rather than ending up in a barbershop trash can, has been donated to Wigs for Kids Canada, based out of St. Catharines, Ontario.

A non-profit that relies solely on donations of both flow and finance, Wigs for Kids makes custom hairpieces for children who have lost their own to disease. Keeping kids in mind, they are constructed to withstand childhood activities of sports and recreation.

For Gauvreau, it was a decision that was not made in the spur of a moment, or at the behest of an adult.

“I planned on it for probably three years”, he said.

A two-year veteran of the Wolves’ AAA program, Gauvreau attributes the development of his leadership skills to the game he loves. He expressed an affinity for trying to uplift his teammates when they are down, and doing his best to translate those same principles to his life outside of the rink.

“It’s not just on-ice that you need to be a leader”, said Gauvreau, “you need to be a leader off the ice too. Communication really helps. I’ve known my teammates a long time, so I know how to talk to them, but I’ve also learned how to speak my mind outside of hockey”.

While the COVID-19 pandemic leaves minor hockey in a state of flux for the upcoming season, with no one truly knowing what a potential return would look like, Gauvreau is assured of his intentions, planning to play AAA again next season, as he seeks to fulfill his dream of playing in the NHL.

“I’m going to try out, and hopefully I make it”, he said.

It seems that Gabe Gauvreau is cut from the cloth of a bygone era. A well-spoken, but somewhat soft-spoken young man, with leading by example on and off the ice being his priority, it shouldn’t come as a surprise when Gauvreau tells one his favourite player.

“I like Wayne Gretzky”, he said with a laugh.

Those seeking to make either a hair or financial donation to Wigs For Kids Canada can find donation forms at WigsForKids.ca.