As the hockey season presses on, the Canadiens and their fans will continue to rally behind their players, their memories, and their moments of strength
But the jersey swap between Lucie Lachance and Brendan Gallagher stands apart — a timeless example of humanity shining through the game.
In honoring his mother’s legacy, Gallagher has shown the world what it truly means to fight — not just on the ice, but in life. And thanks to one fan’s beautiful gesture, that legacy is now preserved in the most meaningful way possible.
Della Gallagher may have passed, but her memory remains etched in the hearts of those who loved her, especially her son.
Brendan’s tribute is more than just words on a screen—it’s a living testament to a mother’s love, the pain of loss, and the strength of family.
As fans, we often see athletes as untouchable, as superheroes immune to the hardships of life. But moments like these remind us of their humanity. Brendan Gallagher isn’t just a hockey player—he’s a son, a father, a husband, and now, a grieving child trying to navigate life without his mother.
Also Read: Brendan Gallagher and Zach Werenski Drop the Gloves in a Heated Showdown
Table of Contents
Brendan Gallagher: The Jersey with a Heartfelt Message
Touching Gesture of Sportsmanship and Compassion
In the world of sports, the stories that truly resonate often go far beyond wins and losses. They touch on themes of humanity, connection, and shared emotion.1
One such moment occurred earlier this month when Montreal Canadiens fan Lucie Lachance made a selfless and deeply touching offer to NHL forward Brendan Gallagher — the return of a special jersey worn during one of the most emotional periods of his life.
The jersey in question was no ordinary one. It was worn by Brendan Gallagher during the NHL’s 2022 Hockey Fights Cancer campaign — a league-wide initiative that raises awareness and funds for cancer research. Gallagher had adorned the jersey with a small but powerful message on the tag: “I’m fighting for Mom.”
At the time, his mother, Della Gallagher, was courageously battling brain cancer. The message was a personal and public show of support for the woman who had stood by him through every stride of his hockey journey.
Following the campaign, the jersey was auctioned off, as is customary, with proceeds benefiting cancer charities. Lucie Lachance, a devoted Habs fan, won the auction with a bid of just over $1,500.
My sister will be running the Vancouver Marathon May 4th, raising money for Brain Cancer Research, in honor of our mom, Della. If you would like to donate, or for more information please check out the link. Thank you all! https://t.co/KGC3TbuUGP
— Brendan Gallagher (@BGALLY17) March 31, 2025
A Battle Fought with Grace and Strength
For over three and a half years, Della Gallagher fought brain cancer with admirable strength and dignity.
Throughout that time, Brendan remained a pillar of support for his mother, even as he continued to perform at the highest level in the NHL. The “I’m fighting for Mom” jersey had become a symbol of that fight — a moment frozen in time that now carried even more weight following her passing.
Earlier this month, the Gallagher family announced that Della had passed away, bringing an end to her long and brave battle.
The news was met with an outpouring of support from the hockey community, as fans and players alike offered their condolences to Brendan and his family.
A Fan’s Extraordinary Act of Kindness
When Lucie Lachance learned of Della Gallagher’s passing, she was moved to do something extraordinary.
Though the jersey was legally hers — a prized possession obtained through a heartfelt donation — she felt it no longer belonged with her. In her heart, it was meant to return to Brendan.
Reaching out to Gallagher via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Lucie offered to return the jersey.
She wrote that, in light of his mother’s death, she believed the jersey belonged with him — a keepsake and tribute to her memory. The gesture, born out of compassion, quickly touched many who came across the post.
Brendan Gallagher: Responds with Grace and Gratitude
Brendan Gallagher, known as much for his tenacity on the ice as for his character off it, responded with deep appreciation.2
Touched by Lucie’s generosity, he extended an invitation: she would be his guest at the Bell Centre on April 16 for a special jersey exchange.
The invite wasn’t just a thank-you — it was a moment to honor Della, to celebrate kindness, and to recognize the power of shared humanity.
An Unforgettable Night at the Bell Centre
On the evening of Wednesday, April 16, Lucie Lachance made her way to the Bell Centre, the historic home of the Montreal Canadiens. Carefully carrying the 2022 Hockey Fights Cancer jersey in a box, she stepped onto the ice to meet Gallagher in person.
What followed was an emotional and powerful exchange. In front of thousands of fans — and countless more who would watch it later online — Lucie and Brendan met at center ice. She returned the treasured jersey, and in turn, Gallagher gave her his game-worn jersey from that night, personally signing it on the spot. He also gifted her his hockey stick, a heartfelt token of gratitude.
A Moment Shared with the World
The NHL’s official X account captured the exchange and shared a short video clip with the caption:
“When Brendan Gallagher’s mom passed away earlier this year, a kind @CanadiensMTL fan offered to return his old Hockey Fights Cancer jersey from 2022 in her memory. Tonight, they got the opportunity to meet on the ice and swap jerseys ❤️.”
The clip quickly went viral, with fans across North America praising Lucie for her selflessness and Brendan for his gracious response. The video showed the pair sharing an embrace, posing for photos, and looking up to the rafters together — a quiet tribute to Della Gallagher.
Brendan Gallagher: Honoring a Mother’s Legacy
The emotional jersey exchange wasn’t just about a piece of memorabilia. It was a tribute to the memory of a beloved mother who had inspired her son’s strength.3
It was also a moment of healing — not just for Brendan, but for anyone who has lost someone to cancer. In that one moment, sports and life were intertwined in the most profound way.
Della Gallagher’s influence clearly lives on through her son. Known for his fierce competitiveness and unwavering dedication, Brendan has often spoken about the support he received from his mother throughout his career.
Returning the jersey to him was a way of reconnecting him to that moment — not only as a son but also as a fighter.
The Unbreakable Bond Between Fans and Players
What makes hockey, and sports in general, so unique is the connection between the players and their fans. Lucie’s gesture showed that fans aren’t just spectators; they are participants in the emotional tapestry of the game.
They feel the highs and lows alongside their heroes and, in moments like this, become heroes themselves.
Her act of kindness was more than symbolic — it was a reminder of the strength and compassion that lives in the hockey community.
In a world often overshadowed by negativity, Lucie’s decision to return the jersey lit a spark of goodness that resonated well beyond the rink.
Gratitude That Transcends the Ice
Brendan Gallagher’s appreciation for Lucie’s gesture wasn’t performative. It was genuine, visible in every handshake, hug, and shared glance.
By giving her his signed jersey and game-used stick, he honored her kindness with a keepsake of her own — one that now carries its own emotional weight and memory.
In doing so, Gallagher showed the depth of his character. He took a moment meant to honor his mother and turned it into something shared — a memory that both he and Lucie will likely cherish for the rest of their lives.
Moments like this don’t happen often, but when they do, they leave a lasting impression. The story of Lucie and Brendan will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most heartfelt and human moments in recent NHL history.
It’s a story of love, loss, kindness, and remembrance. It’s about a mother’s fight, a son’s tribute, and a fan’s unshakable sense of compassion. And in the end, it’s a powerful reminder that even in grief, there is grace.
Also Read: J.T. Miller (Hockey): Meet His Wife, Bio, Age, Career, Playing Style, Marriage Life and More
Brendan Gallagher Pens Tear-Jerking Message in Mom Della’s Memory
On March 20, 2025, NHL star Brendan Gallagher took to Instagram to share heartbreaking news—the passing of his beloved mother, Della Gallagher, after a courageous battle with stage 4 glioblastoma.
The post, accompanied by a carousel of touching photos, stirred emotions across the hockey world and beyond, as Brendan penned a raw, heartfelt tribute honoring her memory.
In the message, Gallagher reflected on the immense influence Della had on his life. More than just a parent, she was his guide, confidante, and unwavering supporter. His words, filled with gratitude and grief, captured the essence of a son mourning a profound loss:
“❤️ The best mom we could have had! Grateful for all the amazing memories we have. I will cherish them and remember them always…”
Brendan’s tribute wasn’t just a farewell; it was a celebration of a woman who had left an indelible mark on her family.
The Strength Behind the Smile
Brendan Gallagher is known for his gritty, tenacious style of play on the ice. Behind that competitive fire, however, was a deep well of personal strength—much of which he attributes to Della.
Her resilience, grace, and kindness became part of his identity, both as an athlete and as a man.
Those who know Brendan closely often spoke about the strong bond he shared with his mother. Whether in victory or defeat, she was always there—cheering in the stands or comforting him with encouraging words.
Della’s diagnosis became public in March 2024 when Brendan’s sister, Bree Gallagher, launched a fundraiser to support other families dealing with the harsh realities of brain cancer.
The initiative not only shed light on Della’s health but also provided a platform for awareness and community support.
Brendan Gallagher: Hockey’s Emotional Toll
Brendan Gallagher’s hockey career has been filled with highs and lows, but 2024–25 has been uniquely challenging.
In interviews leading up to March, Gallagher opened up about the emotional toll of his mother’s illness.
He shared how the situation affected his performance on the ice, saying there were days when the mental burden weighed heavily on him. Still, he continued to play—often drawing on Della’s spirit and strength as inspiration.
His decision to stay with the team during some of the most difficult months of his life was a testament to his commitment, but also to the values instilled in him by his mom.
A Family’s Unbreakable Bond
The Gallagher family has always appeared close-knit, and during Della’s illness, that bond only deepened. Brendan, Bree, and their father worked together to ensure Della was surrounded by love and comfort throughout her final months.
Their support system, including extended family, friends, and fans, proved crucial during this time. Messages of love poured in across social media, with fans, teammates, and fellow players offering condolences and support.
View this post on Instagram
The Ripple Effect of Loss
The death of a loved one creates ripples that affect every part of life. For Brendan, this meant returning to hockey without one of his biggest fans in the stands. It meant holidays would be different. Celebrations, more subdued. Milestones, bittersweet.
But within that sorrow lies a mission—to live each day in a way that makes his mother proud. In his message, Brendan promised:
“We will all charge on with everything you taught us making you proud every single day.”
These words echo a vow many children make to their late parents—a promise to carry their lessons, love, and memory into everything they do.
The Power of Shared Stories
Since Brendan shared his tribute, many fans and even other athletes have shared their own stories of losing loved ones to cancer. In a world where grief is often private, Gallagher’s openness has created a space for healing and connection.
Messages of support continue to flow, and the photos he posted have become cherished reminders not just of Della’s life, but of the unbreakable bond between a mother and son.
Brendan’s story reminds us that even in grief, there is love. In loss, there is remembrance. And in darkness, there can still be light.
By naming his daughter after his mom, continuing to play the sport he loves, and advocating for awareness, Brendan carries Della’s spirit forward.
Her influence lives on in his resilience, his values, and his unwavering passion for life and hockey.
Also Read: Juuse Saros (Hockey): Meet His Wife, Personal Life, Relationship and More
