Venom HC U18 AAA Signs NJHL Junior Defenseman Gavin Gainz

Venom HC U18 AAA is proud to announce the signing of Gavin Gainz, a highly regarded defenseman who joins the program after playing in the NJHL. At 6’2” and 195 pounds, Gainz brings leadership, size, and an offensive presence that will have an immediate impact on the team's defensive core this upcoming season.

Gainz, who wore the captain’s “C” in previous programs, made the intentional decision to return to the U18 level for the 2025 season with the goal of investing in his personal development. His focus is centered on improving his skating, sharpening his skills, and preparing himself to earn higher-level junior opportunities in Tier 1 or Tier 2 Junior A.

“Gavin made it very clear in our conversations that this move is about taking the right steps to elevate his game to the next level,” said the Venom President/GM & Head Coach Brady Douglas. “He’s not taking a step back — he’s preparing himself for something bigger. That level of self-awareness and commitment to development is exactly the kind of mindset we want in our program.”

As a defenseman, Gainz offers a unique combination of physicality and offensive upside. His ability to control the puck, activate in the rush, and unleash a heavy shot from the point makes him a dual-threat defender who can be relied on in all situations. With his experience at the junior level, he is expected to contribute significantly on special teams and serve as a leader both on and off the ice.

The addition of Gavin Gainz further cements Venom HC’s vision of building a high-performance, development-first environment that helps players prepare for the next stage of their hockey careers. His leadership, skill set, and hunger to succeed align perfectly with the goals of the program heading into the 2025/26 season.

We’re thrilled to welcome Gavin Gainz to the Venom HC U18 AAA family — and we look forward to seeing him anchor our blue line wearing #43 as we push for excellence this season.