ABBOTSFORD (NEWS1130) – Ex-Vancouver Giants captain Brendan Gallagher will lead the Hamilton Bulldogs into Abbotsford for a doubleheader with the Heat. The AHL rookie leads the team in scoring with 10 points in 16 games.

Gallagher is happy to be close to his Delta home for the first time this campaign.

“I’m pretty excited obviously. It’s been awhile since I have seen a lot of my family, so it’s good to play in front of them and a few Giants fans.”  

The five-foot-nine-inch, 182-pound right winger was a late cut at Montreal’s 2011 training camp before being sent back to Vancouver. He is keeping his head up even though he didn’t get a chance to crack the line-up with the big club this September.

“It was disappointing for everyone. In Hamilton, I was given a real good opportunity and the coaches are treating me well and teaching me every time I am at the rink.”

His six goals are tied for the team lead with Aaron Palushaj and Gallagher feels he is adjusting to life in the pros.

“It’s an adjustment coming from junior and I expected that. Certainly the game is faster, but I don’t feel it’s too fast. I feel comfortable out there and everyone is stronger but I don’t feel like I’m getting pushed around. It’s definitely an adjustment. It’s a tougher league. You’re playing against men but I don’t feel out of place at all. I feel like I fit in just fine.”

The Heat are currently the top team in the Western Conference with a dozen out-right wins in 18 starts. Hamilton has hit the win column six times and are second to last in the Conference.

The Friday and Saturday night games both begin at 7 p.m. at the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre.

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