SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. - A Summerside city councillor has proposed commissioning a statue of Gerard “Turk” Gallant.
Coun. Gordie Whitlock floated the idea during Wednesday night’s committee of council meeting.
Whitlock said many people in the community would like to see the city do something to commemorate Gallant’s impressive sporting accomplishments, as it has for other local sports heroes.
Related: A memorable night for Gerard Gallant
Some have suggested renaming Park Street, where Gallant grew up, to Turk Street would be appropriate. However, Whitlock said he is wary of that idea as it would be onerous to the residents of the street.
Mayor Bill Martin suggested the most appropriate thing would be to set up an ad hoc committee and consult the public to decide the best way to proceed. Council concurred. Whitlock said he would bring a motion forward to that effect at the next full council meeting.
Gallant is from Summerside and recently led the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights, which was in its inaugural season, to the Stanley Cup Final. He was named the 2018 NHL Coach of the Year.
Gallant has had a long career in professional hockey, playing 615 NHL games and going on to coach and manage various teams.
Summerside presented him with the key to the city during its Canada Day celebrations.
