SUMMERSIDE – Alex Gallant will be looking to make an impression right off the bat.
The 25-year-old Summerside native will be joining a new organization in the fall after signing a one-year, two-way contract with the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Vegas Golden Knights. The two-way contract means Gallant will be paid an NHL salary if he’s with the Golden Knights, or an American Hockey League (AHL) salary if he’s with Vegas’s top affiliate, Chicago Wolves.
“I can’t wait to get down there and get started,” said Gallant. “What a year they had, and it’s exciting times for that organization (after advancing to the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season). . .
“It’s pretty exciting for me and my family right now.”
Gallant, listed as six feet and 180 pounds, signed a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning one year ago. He appeared in 38 games with the Lightning’s AHL affiliate, Syracuse Crunch, during the 2017-18 campaign. He became an unrestricted free agent after the Lightning did not offer him a qualifying offer.
“I got a call Friday, and had offers from a few different teams,” said Gallant. (The Golden Knights) had the best offer for me.
“I don’t know what to say, I couldn’t be more excited to be signing with Vegas. I know it’s a pretty exciting team in Summerside right now, and for me to sign there is pretty special.”
The Golden Knights already have a strong following on P.E.I. as head coach Gerard (Turk) Gallant is also from Summerside and assistant coach Mike Kelly, who grew up in Shamrock, resides in Cornwall during the off-season.
Click here for related story on Alex Gallant signing with Vegas Golden Knights:
Also in running
The Calgary Flames were also in the running to sign Gallant.
“It was a tough decision, and I kind of went back and forth with them and Calgary a bit,” said Gallant, who played two full seasons with the Summerside Western Capitals of the MHL (Maritime Junior Hockey League).
Gallant understands it will be important for him to make the most of opportunities that are presented at training camp.
“They know what kind of player they are getting, and I just want to go in and show them that I can also play,” said Gallant. “I want to have a good camp, do my best and go from there.”
Click here for story with Alex Gallant signing with Tampa Bay Lightning in July 2017:
The son of Mike (Pinky) and Patricia Gallant admits it’s “always the goal” to make the NHL, but he is also realistic looking at the big picture.
“Their farm team is in Chicago, and that’s also a great organization and a great spot to play,” said Gallant. “Obviously, I want to make the big team, but I don’t obviously expect that right away.
“That’s what I want to work for, have a big summer and go into camp in the best shape I can and be ready to go. . .
“No matter where I end up it’s two great cities and organizations, and I’m happy to be part of them both.”
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Pro Career
Alex Gallant’s pro hockey career statistics:
2013-14
Columbus Cottonmouths (SPHL)
Regular Season
43 games
1 goal
3 assists
4 points
251 penalty minutes
Playoffs
6 games
0 goals
2 assists
2 points
27 penalty minutes
2014-15
Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL)
Regular Season
1 game
0 goals
0 assists
0 points
7 penalty minutes
Utah Grizzlies (ECHL)
Regular Season
22 games
1 goal
1 assist
2 points
99 penalty minutes
Playoffs
6 games
0 goals
0 goals
0 points
10 penalty minutes
2015-16
Utah Grizzlies (ECHL)
Regular Season
11 games
0 goals
1 assist
1 point
37 penalty minutes
San Jose Barracuda (AHL)
Regular Season
27 games
1 goal
0 assists
1 point
122 penalty minutes
Playoffs
1 game
0 goals
0 assists
0 points
5 penalty minutes
2016-17
San Jose Barracuda (AHL)
Regular Season
29 games
0 goals
2 assists
2 points
126 penalty minutes
Playoffs
1 game
0 goals
0 assists
0 points
0 penalty minutes
2017-18
Syracuse Crunch (AHL)
38 games
1 goal
2 assists
3 points
194 penalty minutes
Playoffs
1 game
0 goals
0 assists
0 points
15 penalty minutes
