Getting to Know: Ty Gallagher
Defenseman out of USNTDP will play at Boston University
By
Christopher Krenn @NHLBruins / BostonBruins.com
Last Team: U.S. National Team Development Program (USHL)
Position: Defenseman
Height: 6 feet, 0 inches
Weight: 190 pounds
Shoots: Right
Birthday: March 6, 2003
Hometown: Clarkston, Michigan
Central Scouting: 53rd-ranked North American skater
"I love Boston," said Gallagher. "I love the program and the organization of the Bruins. I'm excited."
Gallagher, the 20th-ranked North American defenseman on the NHL's Central Scouting list, skated in 48 games with the USA Hockey's National Team Development Program's Under-18 Team last season, recording 27 points with 14 goals and 13 assists. His 14 goals led all NTDP defensemen and ranked fourth on the team overall. His seven power-play goals also ranked third on the team.
"I think the NTDP really set me up great," said Gallagher. "Going in there from Michigan youth hockey was awesome. It's a great set up there with all the on-ice, off-ice. The development there is great. It's next level.
"I thought one particular moment that set me up for success that I've had was U18 Worlds. I thought that that was a really good showing from me. I thought that set me up for this moment and the rest of the moments in my career so far."
Gallagher ranked first amongst all defensemen with three goals in five games at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championship in Frisco, Texas. During his two years at the NTDP, Gallagher scored 24 goals, setting the record for most goals in NTDP history for a defenseman.
"I'm always working in the shooting room, on ice after practice - on any type of shot," said Gallagher. "Whether it's a point shot or just walking down and shooting. Or especially, my one-timer, is one thing I take a lot of pride in.
"I think it's just my ability to get everything I can on every shot. Whether it's a bouncing puck or a puck through traffic where I can get it on net and get it accurately on net to allow me to score those goals."
A right-shot defender who excelled at getting shots through traffic at the NTDP, Gallagher played his youth hockey in Michigan with the Compuware Program. The two-way defenseman has been known for his ability to join the rush at the right times and be strong on the puck.
"I think the best way to describe me is just a very versatile player," said Gallagher. "I can play a two-way game and I can be counted on in any situation. Whether it's penalty kill, blocking shots or playing on a top line, [I am] trying to create offense and win a game, win a hockey game.
"I think I make a really good first pass and break the puck out of the zone really well and just love to create offense with our playmaking ability as well as locking it down in the defensive zone. I'd say I'm just a versatile two-way defenseman who can play in any moment of the game."
Gallagher will play college hockey at Boston University where he'll look to continue his development.
"Just the tradition of BU is great," said Gallagher. "You always hear about them. Whether it's the national championship or the NCAA tournament or the Beanpot, it's just a great organization. A great coaching staff and I think it's really going to set me up for the next step in my career. it's going to be a great time and I'm looking forward to my four years there."
Boston's final pick of the 2021 NHL Draft, Gallagher felt good about his communication with the B's leading up to the draft. After committing to BU and being selected by the Bruins, the Michigan native will be putting down some new roots in Massachusetts.
"Yeah, I thought I had a great phone interview with Boston," said Gallagher. "A lot of connections through BU. I feel like that was a huge part in this process. I'm just excited."
