Kayson Gallant is set to continue his hockey career in his home province.
The 20-year-old forward from Red Deer, after two seasons in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, will suit up for the Portage College Voyageurs in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Association next season.
Gallant led the Kelowna Chiefs last season with 33 goals and 63 points in just 48 games.
“I am very excited and nervous a little bit, but hoping that I can help the team at Portage the best I can,” said Gallant, a Red Deer Minor Hockey product.
“I felt this was the best fit for me because it was close to home, but I also have the opportunity to work on my schooling and play at an elite level of hockey.”
Gallant started his junior hockey career with his hometown Vipers in the Heritage Junior B Hockey League in 2017-18, before moving to the Chiefs in the 2018-19 campaign.
In total, the five-foot-10, 170-pound forward amassed 96 points in 87 career KIJHL games, along with 21 points in 22 playoff games. It was in this past season, Gallant said that his mental approach took a step forward and helped him turn into a more complete player.
“I worked with my coaches very hard on those this year and I’m very happy with how it helped my game and how I could contribute more than just on ice for the team,” he added.
“The KIJHL is a very good development league and I do feel I improved in my game on the ice, but also off the ice. The two years I played in Kelowna I have seen so many players develop in so many ways and it’s great to see the league grow.”
Last year, the Voyageurs, based out of Lac La Biche, had an 0-26-2 record. They joined the ACAC in 2008. Former Edmonton Oiler Kevin McClelland joined the Portage College coaching staff last season.