Golden Knights coach awarded key to Summerside upon return to P.E.I.

There were some Vegas Golden Knights colours in the crowd of red and white during the Summerside, P.E.I., Canada Day ceremony held at Green's Shore park Sunday afternoon.

Those wearing the Knights' colours were behind thebiggest cheersfrom the crowd whenhockey coachGerard 'Turk' Gallant stepped forward.

Summersidenative Gallant is the head coach of the Vegas Golden Knightsand took the team all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals a huge accomplishment for an expansion team in its first season in the NHL.

Gallant also received the Jack Adams Award earlier in June thetop award for head coaches in the NHL.

Gallant spoke during the ceremony where he was awarded the key to the city.

"The support I get from Prince Edward Island and especially Summerside was second to none," Gallant said.

"A lot of people talked about us being an expansion team and I was one of them. I never thought we would make the playoffs let alone make the Stanley Cup Finals but it was an amazing run."

Many in the crowd sported Golden Knights logos instead of maple leaves.

"Gerard is a great guy, he is a great ambassador for Summersideand the kids," said Timmy Cameron. "They couldn't have gotten a better coach; the fellowputs all his heart into the game."

Gallant was happy to have all the support from his home town community throughout the season.

Knew about the support from P.E.I.

"Yeah I knew about it...People were putting things all over their vehicles and in their yards and that, so it's special," Gallant said.

"I know the support, they have always supported me very well here for all the years I played hockey and coached hockey and it's very special."

Gallant stayed after the Canada Day ceremony to shake hands and take pictures with the community thatralliedbehind him and the new Las Vegas team.

Some congratulated Gallant on the example he is setting for young people in the community.

"He's really done that through the National Hockey League, has proven to be the best," saidChris Palmer, MLA forSummerside-Wilmotand minister of economic development and tourism.

"I think that it is great and it is an inspirational piece for our kids so that they see that you can actually do it from here ... and it is the leadership that Turk brings to the award."

During the ceremony the P.E.I. government also announced a$1,000leadership bursary for a Three Oaks Senior High School student, which will be handed out next year through the department of innovation.

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