Gerard Gallant knows who Summerside is cheering for in Stanley Cup final
City shows its support for 'native son' as Las Vegas Golden Knights continue remarkable NHL playoff run
The City of Summerside is encouraging residents to show their support for Gerard (Turk) Gallant and the Las Vegas Golden Knights when the Stanley Cup finals begin May 28.
Gallant, a Summerside native and coach of the Golden Knights, has led the team through a remarkable run through the NHL playoffs.
When the Golden Knights defeated the Winnipeg Jets in the Western Conference final on Sunday, they became the first team in 50 years to reach the NHL final in their first year in the league.
Summerside Coun. Tyler DesRoches, chair of the community services committee, says excitement is continuing to build in the city.
"Everybody's pretty ecstatic and our community services department is on board to make this ride that much better," he said.
"Our native son, Gerard Gallant ... he's a true Summerside boy. He comes home every summer, and he's everybody's friend when he comes home."
City-wide campaign
The community services department is planning a city-wide board campaign. It's inviting residents of the community to get together and put up signs like "Go Turk Go" in their front yards.
"We're hoping they're going to be everywhere you look," DesRoches said of the signs.
He added that Credit Union Place is asking people to take pictures of how they're supporting Gallant and the team and submit them to their website for a chance to win a one-year family membership to the CUP.
Hoping to see the Cup in Summerside
DesRoches said he reached out to Gallant by text message on Monday and that they had a brief exchange.
"It was short and sweet. I knew a lot of people would be sending messages out to him, so, just sent him a congratulations, and let him know that all of Summerside's behind him, and he responded with, it's been a great ride, and hopes he can follow it through."
The Golden Knights will play the winner of the Eastern Conference final between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Washington Capitals, which will be decided Wednesday night.
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