Special weekend
Gallant shares Calder Cup with his hometown
It was a very special weekend for Brett Gallant. The hard-nosed forward brought the Calder Cup to his hometown after he was a member of the 2015-16 American Hockey League (AHL) champion Lake Erie Monsters, the top affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Columbus Blue Jackets now known as the Cleveland Monsters. The Calder Cup arrived in Summerside on Friday morning for a threeday stay.
“It’s the second biggest trophy in the world in hockey (after the Stanley Cup),” said Gallant, 27. “I was fortunate to play with a lot of good players, and it’s nice to be able to bring it to my hometown that has done so much for me.”
History
The first-ever Calder Cup was presented for the 1937-38 season. It is named after Frank Calder, who served as the first president of the National Hockey League from 1917 to 1943.
“It’s pretty special to have it home,” said Gallant during an interview at Queen Elizabeth Park, where he threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the host Summerside Chevys’ round-robin game against Nova Scotia at the Baseball Canada national 15-under championship on Friday evening.
“Even here at the ballfield, this is where I played a lot of ball growing up.”
Short summer
Gallant enjoyed sharing the Calder Cup with family members, friends and went out of his way to ensure it was accessible to as many people as possible, especially young children.
“I’m fortunate because I get it at the end of the year and most of the guys have already had it, so I get it for a couple of days rather than one,” explained Gallant. “It worked out well.”
Former Western Capital
Gallant, who played junior hockey with the Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals of the MHL (Maritime Junior Hockey League) and Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, said the timing of the Calder Cup’s arrival was perfect. “I got home in June and usually I’m home at the end of April,” offered Gallant. “It’s nice to get it here two weeks before camp starts, and enjoy it with the family before we take off for the season.”
One year remaining
Gallant has one year remaining on his contract with the Blue Jackets. He expects to leave for the Blue Jackets’ training camp around Sept. 10.
“Every year I go in and try to have the best camp I can,” said Gallant.
“I try to get in the best shape I can during the summer, work hard and do everything I can to give myself a shot at making the team.”