Gerard Gallant gives first interview as New York Rangers head coach
Gerard Gallant was born in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada and is practically a celebrity there. Last weekend he appeared on 102 SPUD FM to talk with host Paul Schurman and spoke about winning Gold with Team Canada.
Well, Gallant was back today to give his first interview as New York Rangers head coach.
Gerard Gallant gives first interview as New York Rangers head coach
The interview started off on a somber note as the 57 year-old coach informed Paul that his sister had passed away on Monday of last week. He said she had been sick for five years and that his sister lived a good life. It made the day bittersweet as he was also announced as the Rangers new coach, although it sounded like the deal was done before that day.
Gallant was asked about getting to know some of the Rangers players at the World Championship he said, “I didn’t have the [Rangers] job so I didn’t think too much about it.” Blueshirts prospect Braden Schneider was the only potential future Ranger he coached and had some good things to say about him.
“One of the young kids we had was Schneider. He’s an up and coming young player,” Gallant said. “He’s a big strong kid. He’s only 19 years of age, so he’s just a young kid. But I was aware of all the players there [Rangers on other teams] – I didn’t have the job then but I knew of them for sure.”
Gallant excited to join the Rangers
On looking for a job he revealed, “I was out for 16 months, I was talking to different teams out there and going through the process – it’s not easy. You’re hearing lots of rumors that you’re getting another job, until you get that job it’s nerve-wracking.
Finally on the Rangers he said, “Obviously excited!” Gallant made note of the prestige of coaching an Original Six hockey team and what he’s looking forward to. “To get a chance to get down there and coach that team,” Gallant began. “We’ve got some real good young prospects and very good veteran players – so it’s an up and coming team and we’re looking forward to that.”
Gallant also noted that he expects to arrive in New York for the start of camp in Mid-August. He will attend the draft via Zoom Conference most likely.
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