Layne Gallacher excited for the future

Guelph Storm

As the Guelph Storm prepare to host next year’s Memorial Cup, rookie forward Layne Gallacher has become an important part of those plans.

The 17-year-old was acquired in a trade that sent Philadelphia Flyers first-round pick Jett Luchanko to the Brantford Bulldogs.

Since joining the Storm, Gallacher has six points in 12 games. He had five goals and seven assists in 21 contests with Brantford.

Last season, Gallacher led the U18 Ajax/Pickering Raiders with 46 points in 26 games. He also appeared nine times with the Bulldogs.

As he continues to develop in Guelph, Gallacher is proud of his defensive game and taking key faceoff draws.

“I take big pride in that,” he said. “I think it’s probably one of, if not the most important, parts of the game.”

Guelph Storm

Although he missed more than a month with an injury, Gallacher is still rated for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft and was able to play in the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game.

The Brooklin, Ontario native is one of six Storm players on Central Scouting’s midterm rankings.

Gallacher was quick to credit the team’s medical staff for helping him come back.

“I sprained my MCL and was out for a little while,” he said. “When I got back, the staff in Guelph was great. They got me going again, and I’m just trying to compete every shift and play as well as I can.”

Despite sitting seventh in the Western Conference with a 20-24-2-2 record, Gallacher is excited about the future.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “The organization in Guelph is great, and we’re happy with what we’re building for next year.”

Gallacher is one of six Guelph Storm players listed on NHL's Central Scouting mid-term rankings, currently slotted in as the 62nd ranked North American Skater for June's NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo this coming June.