The two former Sea Dogs coaches led the team to the 2011 Memorial Cup championship, back-to-back QMJHL titles and three consecutive regular season crowns between 2009 and 2012. Gallant was twice named CHL coach of the year during his tenure while Kelly earned a QMJHL general manager of the year honour.
The two PEI-born coaches have been joined at the hip since leaving Saint John, working NHL benches together in Vegas, Florida and New York. The two also teamed up to help Canada win gold at the world championship.
The two join Jonathan Huberdeau (2018) and Mike Thomas (2019) as inductees into the Sea Dogs Hall of Fame. Thomas Chabot will be inducted next year.
While Gallant and Kelly headlined the event, the night featured a number of other speeches and panels. Hosted by Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino, the first panel included 2011 Memorial Cup champions: Thomas, Michael Kirkpatrick, Zack Phillips and Nathan Beaulieu.
Up now: 2022 Memorial Cup champions Gardiner MacDougall, Cam MacDonald, Thomas Couture and Riley Bezeau. pic.twitter.com/1ibihouxBP
— Jamie Tozer (@station_nation) June 23, 2023
The second panel included 2022 Memorial Cup champions: Gardiner MacDougall, Cam MacDonald, Thomas Couture and Riley Bezeau. Brady Burns was also honoured by Kirkpatrick for becoming Saint John's new franchise points leader.
Team president Trevor Georgie and owner Scott McCain also spoke. One of the more powerful speeches at the event came from former Sea Dogs assistant coach Greg Leland, who spoke about his time working with Gallant and Kelly in Saint John.
The night ended with a panel that featured McCain, Gallant and Kelly.
Along with former players — which included a large group from the 2022 championship team — Saint John's 2023 draft class and development camp invitees were also in attendance. The group begins summer development camp on Saturday in Quispamsis.
I attended last nights event and all I can say is .........Seadogs job well done !!!! It was a CLASSY event
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