( Photo Credit: Boston University Athletics )

By: Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on Twitter/X @KennyKaminsky

In 2021, the Boston Bruins used their 217th pick on Ty Gallagher, a product of the United States National Team Development Program. The 6′-0″ 187-pound blueliner was ripping it up when he was with the USNTDP, where he registered 27 points in 48 games. The Michigan native decided to take his talents to Boston University for the 2021-22 NCAA season.

In Gallagher’s freshman season with the Terriers, he showed great potential. The team had a down season, only winning 19 games. The defenseman registered 16 points in 34 games. Even better than that, he had one of the highest plus/minuses on the team, showing he could play defense just as well as he did offense.

He even had a massive assist in propelling Boston University over Harvard in the Beanpot Semi-Final en route to winning the Beanpot Championship, a prestigious college ice hockey tournament held annually in Boston. Gallagher was a significant part of the future at Boston University, and even though he had a good season and made the Hockey East All-Rookie Team, the team needed more from him if they wanted to make a run at the NCAA title.

The Clarkson, Michigan native stepped up his game during his sophomore season with the BU Terriers. He netted 23 points in 40 games, a small step up from last season, but he tightened up in the defensive zone, and it showed. He finished the season with the second-highest plus/minus on the team behind Lane Hutson.

Although Boston University lost both Beanpot games, they won the Hockey East Championship and made it to the Frozen Four, where they lost to the Minnesota Golden Gophers 6-2. Despite the bitter ending to the season, head coach Jay Pandolfo accomplished a lot in his first season as head coach, and Ty’s performance was a key factor in these achievements. With top recruit Macklin Celebrini ready to join the team, The former USNTDP defenseman was poised to have a massive Junior season.

Regrettably, The 187-pound blueliner faced a challenging season during his Junior year with the Terriers. The season anticipated to be his breakthrough year turned into a struggle as he experienced regression in all aspects. The 6-foot defenseman seemed to fade into the background, recording the fourth-lowest point total on the team with just five points in 37 games.

Boston University was consistently on the verge of etching itself into hockey history but barely fell short each time. They would drop the Beanpot final to Northeastern University 4-3 in overtime. BU would make it to the Hockey East Championship but sadly lose 6-2 to rival Boston College. Finally, they would make a strong push in the NCAA tournament, making it to the Frozen Four, losing a heartbreaker in overtime to the eventual champion Denver Pioneers 2-1. Each of these times, Gallagher had a chance to step up and make a big play where it counts, but to no avail.

This season, Ty made a bold decision to change his environment, transferring to Colorado College. After a disappointing junior year, fans were uncertain about what to expect. However, the Colorado College team is known for its strong defensive play and top-tier goaltending. There was hope that the former seventh-round draft pick would thrive in this new setting, and he did not disappoint. He made a remarkable debut during the Tigers’ first home series against Northern Michigan.

The former u14 US National Champion demonstrated his potential during this series, scoring one goal and providing three assists in two games. This performance almost matched his total points from the previous year while surpassing his last season’s goal tally. Currently, he ranks second on the team in points and has shown some of the best defensive play of his career. He played with physicality and appeared more at ease than he did at BU. Granted, they played a weak Northern Michigan team, but he looks like a player to keep our eyes on as he looks to break through and win that elusive National Championship.