Former Tiger Gally helping turn things around in Kelowna

By Ryan McCracken on December 17, 2018.

rmccracken@medicinehatnews.com @MHNMcCracken

Dalton Gally returned to the Canalta Centre with the Kelowna Rockets for the first time, and the last time, on Saturday night.

The former Medicine Hat Tigers defenceman joined up with the Rockets in a trade at the overage cutdown deadline and quickly established himself as a leader on Kelowna’s reinvigorated roster.

“I thought there was an identity crisis,” said Gally, who has seven assists in 26 games with the Rockets this season. “They lost a lot of talent, up front especially but on the back end as well. I think everyone was kind of scrambling to see what spots they were going to fill. When I came in, I just wanted to bring as much experience as I could.”

That identity crisis changed for the better when Kelowna announced two-time Stanley Cup champion Adam Foote would be stepping behind the bench. In less than two months since Foote took over the reins, the Rockets have gone from a 4-10-0-0-basement dweller to a 16-17-2-0 squad challenging for the top of the BC Division.

“He’s been phenomenal ever since he’s come in here. The coaching staff really does go the extra mile to teach defencemen, and even the forwards,” said Gally. “It’s awesome playing for Adam Foote and the Kelowna Rockets and it looks like we’re starting to go on an uphill climb.”

Never one to take his position for granted, Gally says he’s truly privileged to play at Prospera Place, an arena responsible for sending dozens of household names to NHL including Duncan Keith, Shea Weber, Alex Edler, Sheldon Souray, Jamie Benn and Leon Draisaitl. Every morning when Gally arrives at the rink, he stops in front of the team’s alumni wall and lets the grandeur of his daily situation wash over him.

“It truly is breath-taking to see the names up there,” he said. “I’m almost speechless looking at the names up there and knowing how it’s continuing to grow. You never know, with the guys I’m playing with, who’s next to be up there. I’m cheering on all these guys. I know we have a couple defencemen and a couple guys up front who are eligible for the draft this year. I’m trying to help them get better the best I can and I’ll wish them the best of luck at the end of the season.”

Holding onto one of just 66 overage spots in the WHL is no easy task — as countless players fail to retain a spot in the league when they enter their final season of eligibility. While Gally is ultimately responsible for developing himself into a strong veteran blueliner, the New Braunfels, Tex. product credits his former head coach and general manager, Shaun Clouston, for helping ensure he would have a place in the WHLto play this season.

“I really do thank (Clouston) for everything he did for me when I was in Medicine Hat. Even when I was still there getting scratched for games, I know it was just as tough for him as it was for me,” said Gally. “He really went the extra mile because of my good attitude. I could have just as easily come to the rink and not worked hard, been a cancer on the ice, but I didn’t want to do that. I’ve seen people in the past who have done that, from last year, and how it affected the team. I’m not that kind of guy.

“I think doing that and him seeing that in me allowed him to help me out all he could and find me a spot. I am eternally grateful.”

Gally added he will always be thankful for his time in the Gas City. From the fans and city itself to his strong support system within the organization, the 135-game Tiger veteran says the Medicine Hat will always hold a close place in his heart.

“I love this town. I love the community,” he said. “Sometimes it’s almost tough playing them because you have so many friends, and the coaching staff and the community, but it is part of our sport and you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do I guess. I was fortunate to play them.”

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