UPEI forward Keiran Gallant showing his versatility

UPEI Panthers forward Keiran Gallant, 12, races in on a breakaway against Saint Mary’s Huskies goaltender Marcus Vandenberg, 41, in an AUS Men’s Hockey Conference game at MacLauchlan Arena in Charlottetown recently. Gallant, from Covehead, P.E.I., is in his third season with the Panthers after a four-year career with the Charlottetown Islanders of the QMJHL. Photo by Janessa Vanden Broek/UPEI Athletics /Special to The GuardianArticle contentKeiran Gallant’s style of play allows the slick-skating forward to impact the UPEI Panthers in several ways.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentGallant’s versatility, which includes an ability to play both centre and the wing, provides several options for the Panthers’ coaching staff.Article contentArticle content“He starts periods. He ends periods. He can be involved if we’re down by a goal or up by a goal,” said Panthers head coach Forbie MacPherson. “He can really slot in many different spots in your lineup.Article contentArticle content“He’s kind of a perfect fourth- or third-line centre that brings a ton of energy but he can also play up in your lineup because the skilled guys like to play with him because he gets them pucks. He can move up and down and also east-west.”Article contentSpeed has always been a big part of Gallant’s game, which included four years in the QMJHL with the Charlottetown Islanders.Article content“I try to not change my game too much,” said Gallant. “I try to just help whatever way I can, whether it’s killing penalties, winning faceoffs, just making sure to give my 100-per-cent effort every time I’m on the ice.”Article contentThe 23-year-old son of Todd and Angela Gallant of Covehead, P.E.I., is in his third season with the Panthers in the AUS Men’s Hockey Conference.Article content“It’s physical, tough league,” said Gallant. “Personally, I feel I’m getting better every game and at this point, I’m feeling confident.Article contentArticle content“It helps when you have a lot of good teammates to play with.”Article content UPEI Panthers forward Keiran Gallant, 12, of Covehead, P.E.I., hustles to get involved in the play during a recent AUS Men’s Hockey Conference game at MacLauchlan Arena in Charlottetown. Photo by Janessa Vanden Broek/UPEI Athletics /Special to The GuardianArticle contentNumbersArticle contentGallant had a strong rookie campaign, recording four goals and 15 points in 30 regular-season games during the 2023-24 season. In his sophomore campaign, Gallant had one goal and five points in 30 regular-season contests.Article contentThis year, Gallant has one goal – a short-handed effort – and four points in 12 regular-season games.Article content“Right off the bat, he made an impact in our program and in the league and it was just strictly through his work ethic and compete level,” said MacPherson. “He’s just an engine that goes after it every single shift.Article content“I think, last year, he kind of struggled a little bit and maybe had high expectations for himself. Maybe he was gripping the stick a little too tight. Maybe he was trying to be more of a point producer, and you could sense frustration in his game…