He was only three years old, but Mavrik Turnbull’s love of hockey and positive spirit has left a lasting impression on B.C.’s hockey community, now mourning his death. In a message shared online, Mavrik’s family said he died Monday night at Canuck Place with his parents by his side, following a nearly two-year battle with high-risk neuroblastoma—a rare childhood cancer. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, an estimated 50 Canadian children under the age of 15 were diagnosed with the disease in 2023. The Prince George Cougars, Mavrik’s home team, is among several hockey organizations paying tribute to the young fan. “Whether he was out on the ice with the team during practice, hanging out on the bench with the players in warmup, or playing mini-sticks with the guys, Mav was a beloved part of the Cougars family,” the team wrote in a social media post. The Vancouver Giants also wrote a tribute, saying “his love for the game and incredible courage will continue to inspire our organization.” Both the Vancouver and Abbotsford Canucks are remembering Mavrik for his infectious smile and unmatched love for the game. “His resilience will continue to live on in those who were fortunate to know him,” the teams wrote. An online fundraiser for the Turnbull family explains that Mavrik underwent 16 months of treatment following his cancer diagnosis in October 2024, including five rounds of chemotherapy, two stem cell transplants, radiation, surgery and months of immunotherapy. Just as the Turnbulls were preparing to celebrate the end Mavrik’s treatment, a PET scan confirmed new growth at his cancer site. On June 9, 2026, Mavrick was moved to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. There, he was visited by several NHL players—including Chicago Blackhawks centre Connor Bedard, Boston Bruins centre Fraser Minten, Colombus Blue Jackets forward Kent Johnson and Buffalo Sabres winger Zach Benson. Dozens of players from teams across the Lower Mainland visited too, bringing everything from signed jerseys and hockey sticks to a Calder Cup championship ring from the Abbotsford Canucks. “Mavrik also has over 100 videos from other players who haven’t been near or around Vancouver,” his family wrote in an update online. They said it was the next best thing to Mavrik getting his Make-A-Wish trip to do a puck drop for an NHL game this upcoming season. “Truly every player he has met he has talked about being his ‘best friend’,” the update continues. Planning is already underway for his funeral, which his family says will be in Prince George, ideally at one of the hocky rinks “in true Mavrik fashion.” They’re asking friends, family and the community to contribute to a memory book they’ve set up online. “We are planning to print this to read for all the years to come. It’s for his sisters and us to remember every little thing he would say, do, a funny trip, something you remember about him or reminds you of him,” the message explains.
