Summerside names hockey arena in honour of Gerard ‘Turk’ Gallant

A hockey rink has been named in his honor by Gerard “Turk”, a pro-hockey coach.

Tuesday was the City of Summerside’s announcement that it would name one of Credit Union Place’s ice rinks in honor of former NHL player and hometown hero, Coach Bill Murray.

“Today is an extraordinary day. I’ve had a lot of things in my hockey career go the right way … This is special,” Gallant said At the unveiling the arena.

Gallant, a Summerside native, played in the NHL for 11 years with the Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning before retiring from playing in 1995. 

After that, he went on to have a long and successful coaching career. He coached the Florida Panthers to a Division title in 2016, the Las Vegas Golden Knights into the Stanley Cup Finals 2018 in their inaugural season, and Team Canada to gold at the 2021 IIHF World Hockey Championship.

Gallant was named Head Coach of the New York Rangers in 2021. He led them to their Conference Finals victory.

However, his hockey career began in Summerside. As a youth, Gallant participated in the Summerside and Area Minor Hockey program before playing in the QMJHL and getting drafted by the Red Wings.

In 1997, he coached the Summerside Western Capitals to becoming the first Atlantic team to win the Canadian Junior A Hockey League Royal Bank Cup.

It’s possible for children to ‘dream big’

Tuesday’s announcement was more than just putting a name to a facility. said the City of Summerside in a release.

“The Gerard ’Turk’ Gallant Arena is where children in our community get their start with hockey. It’s where they learn how to skate and it’s also where they make lifelong friendships. These children can now look up to a role model that is truly inspirational and can ‘dream big’ for many more years.

Gallant: “What I love most about Summerside is that I am treated the same way every time I return.” said.

The Monday resolution passed by the City Council to declare Aug. 16 Gerard “Turk” Gallant Day was also approved.

The Island Petroleum Energy Centre is near the Gerard “Turk” Gallant Arena. This arena is normally in use for about 10 months.