![['Alex Gallant in action with the Summerside Western Capitals during the 2012-13 MHL (Maritime Junior Hockey League) season.']](https://saltwire.imgix.net/alex-gallant-2648775.jpg?cs=srgb&fit=crop&h=568&w=847&dpr=1&auto=enhance%2Ccompress%2Cformat)
SUMMERSIDE – Alex Gallant will have a new home for the 2018-19 hockey season.
The 25-year-old son of Mike (Pinky) and Patricia Gallant of Summerside signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Vegas Golden Knights on the opening day of National Hockey League free agency on Sunday.
The two-way contract means Gallant will be paid an NHL salary if he’s with the parent Golden Knights, or an American Hockey League (AHL) salary if he’s with Vegas’s top affiliate, Chicago Wolves.
Gallant, a hard-working and rugged forward, appeared in 38 games with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League (AHL) last season. He recorded three points – one goal and two assists – and 194 penalty minutes. He played the two previous seasons in the AHL with the San Jose Barracuda.
Gallant, listed as six feet and 180 pounds, has played 94 games while recording two goals, four assists, six points and 442 penalty minutes in three seasons in the AHL.
Gallant became an unrestricted free agent after the Tampa Bay Lightning – the parent team of the Syracuse Crunch – opted not to make him a qualifying offer. He had signed a one-year contract with Tampa Bay in July 2017.
The Golden Knights are coached by Summerside native Gerard (Turk) Gallant and Mike Kelly, who grew up in Kinkora, is an assistant coach with the NHL team.
Sports Editor’s Note: A story with Alex Gallant offering his thoughts on signing with the Golden Knights will appear in the Journal Pioneer later this week.
