Prince George residents are gathering on Saturday to honor the memory of three-year-old Mavrik Turnbull at a special public event to be held at the CN Centre arena. Mavrik, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer shortly after his second birthday, fought a courageous 21-month battle that captured the attention of the hockey community across British Columbia and beyond.
According to his father, Derek Turnbull, hockey meant everything to Mavrik, and the arena was like a second home where he felt the most secure. Mavrik’s cancer originated in his abdomen, leading to a significant tumor. Throughout his treatment journey, he underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy, underwent major surgery, radiation, immunotherapy, and numerous blood transfusions and medical procedures.
During his transfer from Prince George to Vancouver for treatment, Mavrik carried his hockey sticks as a source of comfort, finding solace in playing and watching hockey during his toughest moments. Various hockey organizations, including the Prince George Spruce Kings and the Prince George Cougars, extended their support to the young superfan during his battle with cancer.
In June, as Mavrik’s health declined and he was moved to the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice in Vancouver, he received visits from several NHL players, including Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks, Fraser Minten from the Boston Bruins, Zachary Benson of the Buffalo Sabres, Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks, and Jennifer Gardiner from the Vancouver Goldeneyes.
Known for his unwavering passion for the game, Mavrik’s spirit brought people together, garnering immense support from all around. His parents were by his side when he passed away on July 6.
To honor Mavrik’s legacy, his family has launched the Mavrik Turnbull Foundation, aiming to bring pediatric cancer treatments to Prince George in the long term and providing financial assistance and resources to families traveling to Vancouver for childhood cancer treatments in the short term. The foundation will also sponsor a child each year who has undergone cancer treatment or faced other medical challenges to cover their hockey equipment and fees.
The community will pay tribute to Mavrik during his celebration of life at the 6,000-seat CN Centre, followed by a public memorial skate in his honor. The Prince George Community Foundation has also initiated the Mavrik Turnbull Legacy Fund to aid families in Northern British Columbia dealing with childhood cancer.