SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Alex Gallant is hoping to carry on a family tradition.
He has the opportunity to become the second member of Mike (Pinky) and Patricia Gallant’s family to win the Calder Cup.
Alex’s older brother, Brett, was a member of the 2016 American Hockey League championship-winning club, Lake Erie Monsters (now Cleveland Monsters). Alex ’s team, Chicago Wolves, will open the 2019 Calder Cup final series against the Charlotte Checkers on Saturday night.
“It was pretty cool when I was around when Brett won,” Alex told the Journal Pioneer in a phone interview Thursday afternoon after the Wolves arrived in Charlotte, N.C. “It was a really cool experience for him and my family, too.
“I’m excited to get started and enjoy every moment of it.”
Quick Glance
A quick glance at Alex Gallant:
- Hometown: Summerside.
- Parents: Mike (Pinky) and Patricia Gallant.
- Brothers: Bradley and Brett.
- Position: Left wing.
- Shoots: Left.
- Age: 26.
- Height: Six feet.
- Weight: 185 pounds.
First season
Alex, a hard-nosed forward, is in his first year with the Wolves after signing a one-year contract with the parent Vegas Golden Knights in July 2018.
"We have had a great season and have an absolutely awesome group of guys,” reflected Alex. “They really made it a lot of fun to go to the rink.
“Every day I was excited to get there and I think that’s why we are doing so well. There is no quit in these guys and it’s been a fun run.”
Alex’s journey to this point of his career has been a long one highlighted by hard work and a never-say-die attitude. He began his professional career in the Southern Professional Hockey
League with the Columbus Cottonmouths in 2013 after completing his junior career with his hometown Summerside Western Capitals of the MHL (Maritime Junior Hockey League).
Statistics
Alex Gallant’s statistics with Chicago Wolves
Regular Season
- 47 games
- 1 goal
- 1 assist
- 2 points
- 102 penalty minutes
Playoffs
- 5 games
- 0 goals
- 0 assists
- 0 points
- 24 penalty minutes
Gallant also spent parts of two seasons in the ECHL before landing in the AHL full time. He played in 47 regular-season games and five post-season games with the Rocky Thompson-coached Wolves this season.
“My coach, Rocky, treats me well,” said Alex. “Coming into the season we had a lot of injuries and I got to get in every night.
“It’s really nice playing every night, you really find your stride. He has used me well and I was happy with my year.”
Alex has not been in the Wolves’ lineup since playing the entire opening playoff series against Grand Rapids. He noted that with “three or four guys” returning to the team, it’s a situation he understands.
“It’s tough to get in now, but obviously the guys are rolling and I understand the no changes,” said Alex. “I am ready if I am needed.”
The Teams
A look at 2019 Calder Cup finalists:
- Chicago Wolves
- NHL affiliate: Vegas Golden Knights.
- Head coach: Rocky Thompson.
- Regular season: 44-22-6-4.
- Placing: First in Central Division.
- Playoffs: 11-6-0.
- Charlotte Checkers
- NHL affiliate: Carolina Hurricanes.
- Head coach: Mike Vellucci.
- Regular season: 51-17-7-1.
- Placing: First in Atlantic Division.
- Playoffs: 11-3-0.
Advice
Alex has already reached out to Brett for some advice.
“We didn’t play Charlotte all year and he played them throughout the year (with the Monsters), so I was asking him about the team,” said Alex. “We talked about how he felt when he won and I was saying how bad I want that feeling and I’d be honoured to bring another (Calder) Cup home to Summerside.”
Asked what it’s like to play in the final series and win a Calder Cup, Brett replied: “Any team sport you play, especially hockey with 20, 25 guys, you really come together as a team and you get close.
“I wish we were doing it right now. I am jealous of him. It’s the best time of the year to playing, there’s a lot of emotion and I’m sure he’ll enjoy the ride because it’s a lot of fun.”
Although every young player dreams of winning the Stanley Cup, earning the opportunity to play for the Calder Cup is not lost on the players.
“I know what the feeling is to win that Cup,” said Brett. “It’s not the Stanley Cup, but it’s the league we play in and we battle with our teammates to win. It’s pretty special to even have the chance to play for it.”
Like Brett did three years ago, Alex admits he’s thought about the prospect of bringing the Calder Cup back to his hometown.
“It has been going through my mind so much,” admitted Alex. “Obviously, the feelings Brett and my family experienced were pretty cool.
“I still remember the night he won, we were actually all at the Ellis Family Band (at the Silver Fox) and celebrated when he won. I’d love to give my family that feeling again and obviously bring that trophy home to Summerside as well.”
Schedule
Calder Cup final schedule:
Best-of-seven (All Times Atlantic)
- Game 1: Saturday, June 1, 7 p.m. – Chicago at Charlotte.
- Game 2: Sunday, June 2, 7 p.m. – Chicago at Charlotte.
- Game 3: Wednesday, June 5, 9 p.m. – Charlotte at Chicago.
- Game 4: Thursday, June 6, 9 p.m. – Charlotte at Chicago.
- Game 5, if necessary: Saturday, June 8, 9 p.m. – Charlotte at Chicago.
- Game 6, if necessary: Thursday, June 13, 8 p.m. – Chicago at Charlotte.
- Game 7, if necessary: Friday, June 14, 8 p.m. – Chicago at Charlotte.
