Brendan Gallagher is turning heads at the Montreal Canadiens training camp.
The 19-year-old from Tsawwassen, who will have a leading role with the Western Hockey League's Vancouver Giants, was a standout during a scrimmage on Sunday. Gallagher scored on a spectacular individual effort then set-up the winning goal in the final minute of play.
The performance of 2010 fifth round draft pick got the attention of Canadiens head coach Jacques Martin.
"Gallagher has really been showing us that he's working with a lot of talent, and is capable of playing with a high level of intensity," praised Martin. "We know he had a great season last year with the Vancouver Giants, and he had a really good camp this year with Team Canada's World Junior team. He's showing the organization that while he's not a big player, he has a big heart; he goes to the net, he's not afraid, and he's got great hands."
"You're thrilled to see one of your young prospects developing like that. In the yearand-a-half that he's been part of this organization he's proven that he has a lot of character and a lot of determination. He reminds me in that way of Brian Gionta."
Gallagher wouldn't mind if his return to the Giants is on hold for a while.
"Of course it's a longshot to make the team, but the goal really is just to stay here as long as possible and impress as many people as you can and hope you earn a contract," said Gallagher. "I'm really happy with the way things have gone so far, but there obviously still a lot of work ahead and I'm looking forward to it."
Gallagher, who led the Bantam A1 Storm to the provincials in his final year of minor hockey with South Delta, had 91 points, including 41 goals with the Giants last season.
