Brendan Gallagher facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brendan Gallagher
Gallagher with the Montreal Canadiens in January 2015
Born	(1992-05-06) May 6, 1992 (age 33) Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Height	5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Weight	185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Position	Right wing
Shoots	Right
NHL team	Montreal Canadiens
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	147th overall, 2010 Montreal Canadiens
Playing career	2012–present

Brendan Gallagher (born May 6, 1992) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He plays as a winger and is an alternate captain for the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Canadiens chose him in the fifth round of the 2010 NHL entry draft.

During his four years playing junior hockey, Gallagher was named to the Western Hockey League (WHL) West First All-Star Team twice. He also became the Vancouver Giants' all-time leader in goals and points. For his country, he won a bronze medal with Canada at the 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and a gold medal at the 2016 IIHF World Championship.

Playing Career

Junior Hockey Years

Gallagher with the Vancouver Giants in April 2009

Brendan Gallagher started playing hockey in the South Delta Minor Hockey Association. The Vancouver Giants picked him in the 2007 WHL bantam draft. After playing one season in a major midget league, he joined the Giants for the 2008–09 season. He scored his first WHL goal on September 27, 2008. In his first year, he had 10 goals and 31 points in 52 games.

The next season, he greatly improved, scoring 81 points in 72 games. His 41 goals were the most on his team. He continued his strong play in the playoffs, helping the Giants reach the semifinals. He had 21 points in 16 playoff games that year.

In 2010, Gallagher was chosen by the Montreal Canadiens in the fifth round of the 2010 NHL entry draft. He then returned to junior hockey and had his best season in 2010–11. He was named WHL Player of the Week in February 2011. Even after a head injury in March, he finished first in team scoring with 91 points in 66 games. He was named to the league's West First All-Star Team.

Before the 2011–12 season, Gallagher signed a three-year contract with the Canadiens. He temporarily left the Giants in December 2011 to play for the Canadian national junior team. In January 2012, he scored a hat-trick in his return to the WHL. He also became the team captain. Soon after, he broke the Giants' all-time records for goals (136) and points (280). He was voted the most valuable player for his team that season.

Brendan Gallagher became known as a fast and aggressive scorer. He was good at both offense and defense.

Professional Career

When Brendan Gallagher started his professional career, the NHL was in a lockout. So, he played for the Hamilton Bulldogs, the Canadiens' minor league team. When the NHL season started, he joined the Canadiens for the 2012–13 season. He scored his first NHL goal on January 27, 2013. He finished his first NHL season with 15 goals and 13 assists in 44 games. He was nominated for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year.

On November 29, 2014, Gallagher signed a six-year contract extension with the Canadiens. In September 2015, he was named an alternate captain for the team. During the 2015–16 season, he broke two fingers blocking a shot. He returned to play in the 2016 NHL Winter Classic. His injury problems continued into the next season when he broke his hand.

The 2017–18 season was a great year for Gallagher. He led the team in points scored during even-strength play. He finished the season with a career-high 54 points. He was nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his leadership and community work. He also won the Canadiens' Molson Cup as player of the year.

For the 2018–19 season, Gallagher was again an alternate captain. On February 21, 2019, he scored his first NHL hat-trick. He played his 500th NHL game on October 30, 2019.

On October 14, 2020, Gallagher signed another six-year contract with the Canadiens. In the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, he scored a key goal in Game 7 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, helping the Canadiens win the series. He also scored the winning goal in Game 1 against the Winnipeg Jets. He assisted on the goal that sent the Canadiens to their first Stanley Cup Finals in 28 years. The Canadiens lost the Final to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The 2021–22 season was tough for Gallagher due to injuries and COVID-19. He missed 26 games and had his lowest scoring season. He worked hard with his father to recover his health. In the 2022–23 season, he again missed time due to a broken ankle. He scored his 200th NHL goal on March 27, 2023. He has been thinking about how to change his playing style to avoid future injuries.

Gallagher played his 800th NHL game on January 23, 2025. Days later, he moved into the top-20 for most games played in Canadiens history.

International Play

Medal record
Representing  Canada
Men's ice hockey
IIHF World Championship
Gold	2016 Russia
World Junior Championships
Bronze	2012 Canada
World U-17 Hockey Challenge
Silver	2009 Canada

Gallagher first played for Hockey Canada at the 2009 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, where he won a silver medal. In 2011, he made the team for the 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He was named player of the game against the United States. Canada won a bronze medal after beating Finland. Gallagher finished the tournament with six points.

In April 2016, Gallagher joined the national senior team for the 2016 IIHF World Championship. He scored two goals and three assists, helping Canada win a gold medal.

Personal Life

Brendan Gallagher was born in Edmonton, Alberta. He grew up in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, moving there when he was 12. As a child, he played in the 2005 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.

His father, Ian, is a strength and conditioning coach for the Vancouver Giants. Brendan knew the team well because of his dad's work. His mother, Della, was also an athlete, playing baseball. She passed away in March 2025 after a long illness. Brendan has three siblings: Erin, Breanne, and Nolan.

In January 2014, McDonald's in Quebec introduced "The Gallagher" burger. He also created another signature burger for McDonald's before the 2015–16 NHL season.

Gallagher supports the Tottenham Hotspur F.C. soccer team and the Cincinnati Bengals football team.

In July 2023, Gallagher got engaged to Emma Fortin in Whistler, British Columbia. They were married in Montreal a year later. They welcomed their daughter, Everly, in February 2025.

Career Statistics

Regular Season and Playoffs

International Play Statistics

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2009	Canada Pacific	U17			6	2	3	5	12
2012	Canada	WJC			6	3	3	6	12
2016	Canada	WC			10	2	3	5	12
Junior totals					12	5	6	11	24
Senior totals					10	2	3	5	12

Awards and Honours

Records

Vancouver Giants

• All-time goals leader – 136
• All-time points leader – 280