For Peter Bates, playing professional hockey has always come back to one thing: enjoying it.

From five years of college hockey to the professional ranks in North America, and now halfway around the world with the Canberra Brave, the 29-year-old has learned that a career in the game isn’t always glamorous, but finding enjoyment in the day-to-day is what keeps him coming back.

Learn more about the 2026 MVP`s hockey career to date, and how he ended up at the Canberra Brave 👉 link in bio.

✍️ Payton Gregor
📸 Rachel Debels

PETER BATES IS YOUR 2026 MOST VALUABLE PLAYER! 🤩🏆

Congratulations to Victor Sjodin who has been awarded the 2026 Canberra Brave Coaches award! 🏆

Congratulations to Justin Maylan who has been named the 2026 Canberra Brave Players Player! 🤩

Congratulations to Joel Hasselman who has been awarded the 2026 Canberra Brave Fans Choice Award!

Congratulations to Jake Ratcliffe for being named the 2026 Canberra Brave Forward of the Year!

Congratulations to Annie Abbott who has been awarded the Dr Rob Reid Award for Distinguished Service! 🤩

Congratulations to Colin Beckinsale who has been awarded the John Lewis Memorial Award recipient for 2026. 🤩

Congratulations to Michael and Nat Pinney who have been awarded the Deans Award for 2026. 🤩

Congratulations to Bray Crowder who has been named the 2026 Defenceman of the Year!