Owner breaks bread with Winterhawks

Calgary’s Gallacher says look in players’ eyes is encouraging

By steve brandon

The Portland Tribune, Oct 22, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

GALLACHER

The way to a junior hockey team’s heart is through its stomachs. And through a lot of other gestures of support.

Calgary’s Bill Gallacher, owner of the Portland Winterhawks, delivered and received a message last Sunday, after one of his team’s toughest losses of the young Western Hockey League season in his hometown.

The 48-year-old Gallacher rushed from the airport to Joey Tomato’s restaurant to join the Winterhawks for a meal, shortly after their 6-5 defeat on a last-minute goal by the Calgary Hitmen, who are coached by former Hawk player and coach Mike Williamson.

Gallacher, who bought the Hawks about a year ago, wanted to greet his players and let them know how pleased he is with the way they are turning things around. The franchise, which has finished last in the U.S. Division three years in a row, has been in first place most of the season and had an a 9-5-0-0 record going into a Wednesday night game at Lethbridge.

“I had a chance to talk to each of the players and tell them how excited and proud I am of what they’ve accomplished so far,” Gallacher says. “I wanted to make sure they’re having fun and enjoying each other and each day.”

Gallacher says he liked what he saw and heard.

“You can see it in their eyes and their smiles – they’re excited about what’s ahead for them, and that’s really exciting for me,” he says.

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