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Lucie Lachance knew it was going to be an emotional moment when she met Brendan Gallagher at centre ice on Wednesday.
When she read the heartbreaking news that the Montreal Canadiens forward in his 13th NHL season – all with the Montreal Canadiens – had lost his mother, Della, to brain cancer on March 8, Lachance felt compelled to reach out.
A lifelong Canadiens fan, she posted a heartfelt message to X on March 20, tagging Gallagher. In it, she offered to give the forward his 2022 Hockey Fights Cancer warm-up jersey – a unique piece she had won at auction at the team’s Hockey Fights Cancer night in November of that year. The jersey bore the campaign’s signature “I Fight For” patch where each player wrote the name of a person they were honouring. Gallagher had written just one word: “Mom.”
Gallagher responded warmly: "This is incredibly kind of you, thoughtful and really appreciated!! How about a jersey swap on the ice April 16th!”
Having already opened up publicly about his mother’s passing, it was a gesture that moved Lachance.
“I was very touched when Brendan reached out to me,” said Lachance. “It means a lot. I could not believe it – he’s so busy.”
Following Montreal’s 4–2 win – a victory that clinched the second Eastern Conference wild card spot for the club in the Stanley Cup Playoffs – Lachance and Gallagher met on the ice at Bell Centre.
Gallagher signed and gifted Lachance his game-worn jersey. In return, she handed him a floral box containing the Hockey Fights Cancer warm-up jersey she had cherished since acquiring it.
“It was a dream to finally get to give the jersey back. The best part of the night for me was to see Gally’s reaction to the tribute to his mom. He was so emotional about it and it proved to me that I did the right thing.
“It was important for me to give back the jersey so the family can see it as a tribute to Della. Many people recognized me and thanked me for doing it. I never thought it would have such a big impact!”
Wednesday night marked the fourth time Lachance and Gallagher had met – previous interactions had taken place at autograph sessions and outside the Canadiens’ practice facility.
But this moment was unlike any other.
“He’s my favourite because he’s passionate and determined when he plays – I love that,” said Lachance. “He’s a big source of inspiration.”
As is Lachance herself, whose thoughtful gesture has gained widespread attention across social media and in the press.
“It’s been crazy,” she said. “People are telling me they need more positivity in their lives and I’m glad I could do it.”
