In this heartwarming episode, we dive into the life of Calgary Hitmen player Maxim Muranov, a 19-year-old athlete from Moscow who has called Calgary home for the past two years. Off the ice, Maxim shares how his 12-year-old dog back in Russia inspired him to rescue Lord Stanley Gaudreau, a pup who’s become a vital part of his journey as a professional athlete.
Listen as Maxim opens up about the challenges of adapting to life in a new country, the mental toll of playing in the Western Hockey League, and how Lord Stanley – with the help of his welcoming billet family – has given him the sense of home he was missing. We also explore his passion for animals and his role as an ambassador for Parachutes for Pets, a community cause close to his heart. This episode is a testament to the unconditional love pets provide, no matter the day’s challenges.
This episode was recorded prior to the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. We would like to dedicate this episode to the Gaudreau family and his dog Bailey.
“I was deeply saddened to hear of Johnny and Matthew’s passing – your legacy will live on and continue to inspire players like myself” – Maxim Muranov
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About Companions & Champions
Anyone who has ever had a pet knows one thing inherently—pets aren’t just like family. They are family.
On Companions & Champions, a PFP podcast series, we take listeners on a journey celebrating the human-animal bond between a champion in their industry and their companion(s). In this series, we hear about the trials and tribulations of our champions and discuss the many ways pets change our lives both inside and out.
Released every other Thursday, this series focuses on conversations between our hosts, Melissa David, Founder & Executive Director at Parachutes for Pets, and Chris Cederstrand, Motivational Speaker, Team Canada Alumni & Athlete Ambassador, as they talk with local Calgarians and guests from around the world about the impact animals have had on their lives.
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