WHL ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: BRENDAN GALLAGHER

For four years, fans of the Vancouver Giants were lucky enough to watch Brendan Gallagher dominate Western Hockey League opposition with his feisty, relentless and  gritty play. 

Now, the 20-year-old from Delta, B.C., is making a name for himself on one of hockey’s biggest stages as a rookie in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens.

Drafted in the ninth round of the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft, Gallagher piled up 138 goals and 280 points in 244 career regular-season games in Vancouver, and became a fan favorite with his exciting, competitive energy and his ability to put the puck in the net.  The 5’9”, 178-lb winger also helped Canada win a Silver medal at the 2012 World Junior Championship.

The Montreal Canadiens saw enough in Gallagher to select him in the fifth round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, and he nearly made the team as a 19-year-old last year before being sent back to the Giants.

This season, Gallagher wouldn’t be denied his place in the Canadiens’ lineup.  After putting up 10 goals and 20 points in 30 games with the Hamilton Bulldogs to start the season, Gallagher jumped up to the big club when the NHL lockout ended,and has become an impact player for one of hockey’s most storied franchises.

CATCHING UP WITH…BRENDAN GALLAGHER

On the start to his NHL career…
“It’s been really cool so far.  Obviously, it’s every little kid’s dream to get here and be playing in the NHL, and I’m pretty happy that my dream has come true.  I’m very fortunate to be able to say that.  I think I’ve had a good start.  I’ve been able to bring some energy and intensity to the team, and the coaches have put me in a position where I’m able to contribute.  So far, I’ve been taking advantage of the opportunities I’ve been given, but I still know I have to keep working and making sure I’m rewarding the team for the chances they’ve given me.  I try and take it shift by shift, and game by game, which helps keep me on an even keel.”

On playing in the hockey hotbed of Montreal…
“It’s pretty unbelievable.  There’s so much passion for the game here, and the fans are absolutely amazing and supportive.  You look at the history of the franchise, what they’ve done over the years, and it’s pretty neat to be able to be a part of that.”

On adjusting to the NHL level of play…
“I think the adjustment has gone pretty well, having played in Major Junior and in the AHL for half the season this year.  Obviously, the game is quicker and more skilled up here, and teams have a lot of depth so nothing ever comes easy.  I think the biggest thing for me is I’ve tried to prepare as well as I can for each new challenge I’ve faced, whether it’s playing a different role or in different situations, or just getting used to the lifestyle.  The guys on the team are great in helping out and showing you the way.  So far, I haven’t felt out of place.”

On squaring off against his hockey idols…
“The one thing I learned is you can’t get distracted by who you’re playing.  I’ve gone up against Marty St Louis, who has always been a role model for me in how he plays the game, and obviously his size too, so that’s pretty cool.  Sometimes you can’t help but watch guys like that and really see how good they are.”

On his four years in the WHL…
“My time in Vancouver with the Giants is something I wouldn’t change for the world.  I was so lucky to get to play in Vancouver with such a great organization and great players, and being able to go up against the best players every night definitely helped me in my development.  I am so thankful for the guidance of guys like Don Hay and Scott Bonner and Ron Toigo for taking a chance on me since I was a ninth-rounder in the Bantam Draft.  I was lucky to be on some good teams and play with great players, and I always have great memories of those years.”

On this year’s Vancouver Giants…
“They aren’t where they want to be, I know, but they are the Vancouver Giants so it’s just a matter of time before they are back up there at the top.  They are a young group who are growing and learning, and I know they will develop with the coaches and staff in Vancouver.  Definitely when they win, I’ll shoot a few of the guys a text congratulating them.”