The all-time point scorer for the Vancouver Giants, Brendan Gallagher had to weigh the options last week about what position he’d play.
“I don’t want to make any errors,” he said, laughing over the phone on Friday. “I might bury myself in the outfield.”
The Montreal Canadiens right-winger who grew up playing hockey as well as shortstop and catcher on rep baseball teams in Alberta and B.C. hosts a charity softball game tonight at Nat Bailey Stadium. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the ball park. Gates open at 6 p.m. with the first pitch at 7 p.m.
All benefits go to the Shriners Hospital for Children.
Chipping in for the cause is a roster of Gallagher’s all-star friends, many of them who grew up in B.C. and are in the province during the summer: Calgary Flames centre Lance Bouma, Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Reilly, 2011 Edmonton Oilers first overall draft pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Detroit Redwing Landon Ferrero. Also expected are Reinhart brothers, Max, Sam and Griffin, as well as former Canucks Kyle Wellwood and Cliff Ronning along with his son and current Giants winger Ty Ronning.
Gallagher’s Canadiens teammates Alex Galchenyuk and Nathan Beaulieu are also committed to playing ball.
Beaulieu, who signed with Montreal earlier this summer, is already talking a big game, said Gallagher.
“I’ve never seen him play. I’ll make sure he’s on the other team,” said the host.
Gallagher, 23, chose to benefit the Shriners Hospital for Children, which has one Canadian location in Montreal, because he values the impact the health care provider has on the lives of children and families.
“First and foremost, I’m in a unique position where I can do something like this. It’s a chance to get out and have fun at the Nat but at the same time do a really good thing for some really deserving people, the Shriners Hospital for Children,” he said. “I really respect the work they do.”
Gallagher vaguely remembered a time from his early childhood when his older sister and younger brother were both admitted to hospital when they suddenly became sick with the same illness. He doesn’t recall the details but said he was whisked away to stay with his grandparents.
“I remember as a young kid it was pretty scary,” he said. “Something stuck with me. When kids are so young and go through something so serious, it’s important to have resource to deal with it.”
Gallagher introduced the Charity Softball Classic as an annual event, so expect more games in summers to come.
For tickets, visit or call the Vancouver Canadians box office at 604-872-5232.
Twitter and Instragram: @MHStewart
