Part of the family Maxim Lapierre

A tattoo over Neil Gallant’s heart symbolizes the deep bond between his Island family and Vancouver Canucks forward Maxim Lapierre, formerly of the P.E.I. Rocket
In just two seasons with the P.E.I. Rocket, Maxim Lapierre left a deep impression on Neil Gallant’s heart.

Literally.

There, emblazoned directly over the 43-year-old Charlottetown native’s heart is the Montreal Canadiens logo.

Etched above it in dark, cursive writing — Lapierre No. 40.

Burned into his skin on his 40th birthday as a gift from his eldest daughter, the tattoo reveals the deep bond between billet father and former Canadiens’ hockey player, now a third-line centre with the Vancouver Canucks.

In Game 5 of the Stanley Cup finals Friday night, Lapierre played the role of hero on hockey’s biggest stage, scoring the Canucks’ only goal in a 1-0 win over the Boston Bruins.

With a win tonight, his club could become the first team to bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada since the Canadiens did it in 1993.

For Gallant, it was a relationship sparked by chance.

In the Rocket’s inaugural season on the Island in 2003-2004, the Gallants ended up billeting Lapierre rather than teammate David Laliberte, thanks to the presence of the family’s new Shih Zhu puppy and Laliberte’s allergy to dogs.

Lapierre was welcomed as a son into the Gallant home on Norwood Road.

The pup was soon named “Lappy.”

The rest was history.

From 2003 to 2005, Lapierre scored 50 goals and added 63 assists and 277 PIM in 136 games for the Rocket.

He scored seven goals in 11 playoff games during the club’s only trip to the second round under head coach Alain Vigneault in 2004. In 2005, Lapierre was named team captain.

“He’s just a big kid playing hockey,” Gallant says of the superpest acquired by the Canucks from Anaheim at the trade deadline this year. “He’s a 26-year-old man trapped in a 16-year-old’s body.” he ment a 16 year old trapped in a 26 year old man’s body

“He was hyper,” Gallant remembers of the 18-year-old Saint-Leonard, Que., native who arrived in P.E.I. knowing little English. “He would tell us the most hilarious stories.”

The agitating player Lapierre is known to be on the ice has no resemblance to the man off it, according to the Gallants.

“He was very good with my kids,” said Gallant, a father of three, including Crystal, 29, Aaron, 19, and Samantha, 16. “Very respectful.”

“He’s like a big brother to me,” Samantha admitted. “I still tell people he’s my brother.”

“He was like another kid to us,” chimed in Gallant’s wife, Christine. “I can’t say enough good about him. Even though he’s making millions of dollars now, not a thing has changed.”

“We were his parents,” Gallant said. “He calls us his English mom and dad. I call him my French son.”

The Gallant family had served as billet hosts with the Charlottetown Abbies junior A team for six years before the Rocket rolled into town in 2003.

Lapierre entered their home for two years, before the family welcomed Jonathan Boutin and Pascal Boutin (unrelated) in successive years.

But it was Lapierre who left the greatest impression on the family.

He continues to contact Gallant at least once a month, where they’ll swap advice on life, and hockey.

The Gallants never missed a game during Lapierre’s career with the Rocket.

It seemed Gallant was always at the rink, by day as an icemaker and Zamboni driver – a job he now does at Simmons Sports Centre – and by night as a Rocket fan.

The games Christine couldn’t make due to her custodial duties at Stonepark Intermediate School, her seat was filled by Samantha.

The couple has continued to follow his career by making a trip to see Lapierre compete every year.

They share stories of how Lapierre has returned their love.

For example, during his time with the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, he purchased a brand-new bed for his apartment just prior to the Gallants three-day visit so they would have a place to stay.

Then, during his time with the Canadiens, Lapierre worked hard to accommodate both the Gallants and their friends with dressing room tours post-game.

Once, he treated 28 members of the Pownal novice AA hockey team to a team meet-and-greet at Gallant’s requested.

Another time, he surprised the Gallants with an introduction to Neil’s hero, Jean Béliveau.

“That’s Max,” Gallant said simply. “He has worked very hard to get where he’s at. When you see him on TV (in his agitator role), that’s part of the game. That’s not who he is.”

“He’s a great kid with a good heart,” said Christine. “I think most of the players who have played with him would say the same.”

“I’m just hoping to God they win,” she added. “I just want him to get it so bad.”

A poll of the Gallant family came up unanimous.

Canucks in six.