Last Updated on November 9, 2026 by Bernald Sanders
Brendan Gallagher is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays for the Vancouver Canucks in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on May 6, 1992, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Gallagher grew up in a close-knit family with strong connections to hockey and competitive sports.
His father, Ian Gallagher, is an experienced strength and conditioning coach, while his mother, Della Gallagher, was a physiotherapist who passed away in March 2025 after battling brain cancer. Brendan also has three siblings: Nolan Gallagher, Erin Gallagher, and Breanne Gallagher.
In his personal life, Gallagher is married to Emma Fortin, his longtime girlfriend. The couple married in July 2024 and have two daughters, Everly and Ella, born in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
Brendan Gallagher’s Wife and Relationship History
Emma Fortin – Brendan Gallagher’s Wife
Brendan Gallagher is married to Emma Fortin, a Canadian woman from Quebec who became his longtime romantic partner before their wedding.
The couple maintained a relationship for several years while Gallagher was playing for the Montreal Canadiens.
Although Gallagher generally kept his personal life private, Emma occasionally appeared at Canadiens events and shared photographs of their relationship through social media.
In July 2023, the Montreal Canadiens published an interview with Emma in which she discussed Gallagher’s personality, everyday habits, and their relationship.
She described him as a caring and generous partner who enjoyed cooking dinner for her, spending time together, and looking after their dog.
Emma also revealed that Gallagher prepared a special meal for her on Tuesday evenings when she returned home late from school.
The interview provided fans with a glimpse of Gallagher’s personality away from professional hockey.
Brendan Gallagher and Emma Fortin’s Engagement
Brendan Gallagher proposed to Emma Fortin on July 7, 2023, during a trip to Whistler, British Columbia.
The proposal took place in the scenic mountain resort community, where the couple celebrated an important milestone in their relationship.
The Montreal Canadiens officially announced their engagement through an article published on July 24, 2023.
Emma had previously participated in the team’s relationship interview series, offering insight into their life together.
The engagement attracted congratulations from hockey fans and members of the Canadiens organization.
Brendan Gallagher and Emma Fortin’s Wedding
Brendan Gallagher and Emma Fortin married on July 6, 2024, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Their wedding featured an elegant ceremony and reception attended by family members, friends, and several NHL players.
According to MTL Blog, the celebration took place at a Victorian-style venue decorated with white floral arrangements and elaborate lighting.
Several Montreal Canadiens players and former teammates attended the event, including Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Carey Price, Jake Evans, and Samuel Montembeault.
The couple shared professional wedding photographs on social media shortly after their marriage.
One particularly meaningful photograph showed Gallagher embracing his mother, Della, who was battling brain cancer at the time.
The wedding became one of the family’s most cherished celebrations before Della’s death the following year.
Who Is Emma Fortin?
Emma Fortin is best known publicly as Brendan Gallagher’s wife.
She is originally from Quebec and speaks French, an important aspect of the couple’s family life.
In an October 2025 interview with TVA Sports, Gallagher explained that Emma helped him improve his French-speaking abilities.
He wanted to become more comfortable speaking French because his daughter was growing up in a bilingual family environment.
Emma has also supported Gallagher through significant personal challenges, including his mother’s illness and the transition from Montreal to Vancouver.
Although she occasionally shares family moments publicly, detailed information about her professional occupation remains limited.
Brendan Gallagher’s Children
Brendan Gallagher and Emma Fortin have two daughters named Everly and Ella.
Their first daughter was born in February 2025, while their second daughter arrived in August 2026.
Everly Mona Della Gallagher – Brendan Gallagher’s First Daughter
Everly Mona Della Gallagher is the first child of Brendan Gallagher and Emma Fortin.
She was born in February 2025, several months after her parents celebrated their wedding.
The couple initially kept their daughter’s arrival relatively private before sharing photographs through social media.
On March 17, 2025, The Hockey News reported that Emma had introduced their daughter to fans through an Instagram post.
The announcement revealed her full name as Everly Mona Della Gallagher.
The name Della honors Brendan’s mother, who was battling brain cancer during Emma’s pregnancy.
Sadly, Della Gallagher passed away on March 8, 2025, shortly after Everly’s birth.
Brendan later expressed gratitude that his mother had been able to meet his daughter before her death.
Everly’s arrival was therefore an emotional milestone for the family, bringing happiness during an exceptionally difficult period.
Ella Gallagher – Brendan Gallagher’s Second Daughter
Ella Gallagher is the second daughter of Brendan Gallagher and Emma Fortin.
Her birth was publicly announced on August 24, 2026.
According to Le Journal de Montréal and The Hockey News, Emma shared the news through Instagram, revealing that the couple had welcomed another baby girl.
The announcement confirmed that their second daughter’s name is Ella.
Her arrival followed Brendan’s June 2026 trade from the Montreal Canadiens to the Vancouver Canucks.
Although Gallagher had already joined the Vancouver organization, he spent much of the summer in Montreal while waiting for Emma to give birth.
The couple received congratulations from former Canadiens teammates, their families, and hockey supporters.
Ella’s arrival expanded the family to four, giving Everly a younger sister.
Brendan Gallagher’s Parents
Brendan Gallagher was born to Ian Gallagher and Della Gallagher in Edmonton, Alberta.
His parents raised four children and encouraged them to participate in sports from an early age.
The family initially lived in the Edmonton area before relocating to Tsawwassen, British Columbia, when Brendan was approximately 12 years old.
Both parents influenced his development, with Ian emphasizing physical preparation and Della encouraging competitiveness, determination, and resilience.
Ian Gallagher – Brendan Gallagher’s Father
Ian Gallagher is Brendan Gallagher’s father and a well-known Canadian hockey strength and conditioning coach.
He previously played Junior A hockey in Alberta before beginning a career in education and athletic training.
Ian earned a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta and worked as a teacher for approximately 15 years in the Edmonton School District.
He also became involved in coaching and scouting young hockey players.
In 2004, Ian joined the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League as their strength and conditioning coach.
His new position prompted the Gallagher family to relocate from Alberta to British Columbia.
He remained with the Giants until 2016.
Ian Gallagher’s Influence on Brendan’s Hockey Career
Ian played an important role in developing Brendan’s physical fitness and professional work ethic.
During childhood, Brendan frequently accompanied his father to training sessions involving junior and professional hockey players.
He observed their preparation routines and learned about the physical demands of elite competition.
When Brendan eventually joined the Vancouver Giants, he had the opportunity to work directly with his father.
In a 2017 interview published by the Montreal Canadiens, Brendan explained that Ian helped him understand the importance of strength, conditioning, and consistent preparation.
Their professional relationship required them to distinguish between their responsibilities as father and son and as coach and athlete.
Brendan has credited his father’s guidance with helping him overcome challenges associated with being smaller than many NHL players.
What Does Ian Gallagher Do?
Ian Gallagher is the president of Delta Hockey Academy in British Columbia.
According to the academy’s official website, he has led the organization since its establishment in 2004.
He helped design and implement the South Delta Secondary Hockey Academy Skills Program, which eventually developed into a competitive hockey development organization.
Ian has more than 25 years of experience training amateur and professional hockey players.
He is also associated with Delta Health and Performance, where he has worked in strength and conditioning.
His professional expertise has continued to connect him with Brendan’s hockey development throughout his NHL career.
Della Gallagher – Brendan Gallagher’s Mother
Della Gallagher was Brendan Gallagher’s mother and one of the most important influences in his personal life.
She worked as a physiotherapist and had a strong background in competitive sports.
During her younger years, Della played baseball and basketball.
According to Sportsnet, she was particularly passionate about baseball, having played competitively while growing up in Alberta.
Brendan has frequently credited his mother for his competitive personality and determination.
He explained that Della approached everyday activities with enthusiasm and encouraged her children to give their best effort.
Her influence extended beyond sports, shaping the family’s values and relationships.
Della Gallagher’s Battle With Brain Cancer
Della Gallagher was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2021.
Her condition was discovered after she experienced a seizure while driving in Alberta on August 20, 2021.
She was taken to a hospital before being transferred to the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton.
Further medical examinations revealed the seriousness of her condition.
Despite receiving a difficult prognosis, Della continued undergoing treatment and remained actively involved in her family’s life.
Her determination became a source of inspiration for Brendan and his siblings.
In March 2024, the family publicly discussed her diagnosis while raising awareness about brain cancer research.
Brendan also participated in charitable initiatives aimed at supporting people affected by the disease.
When Did Brendan Gallagher’s Mother Die?
Della Gallagher passed away on March 8, 2025, after battling brain cancer for approximately three and a half years.
Her death occurred shortly after the birth of Brendan’s first daughter, Everly.
Gallagher publicly acknowledged his mother’s passing during an emotional interview on March 20, 2025.
He explained that she had played an irreplaceable role in raising the family and shaping his character.
After scoring a goal against the Ottawa Senators in March 2025, Gallagher paid tribute to his mother by touching his chest and looking toward the sky.
The moment drew considerable attention from Canadiens supporters and the hockey community.
His sister Breanne also organized fundraising activities in Della’s memory to support brain cancer research.
Brendan Gallagher’s Siblings
Brendan Gallagher has three siblings: a brother named Nolan Gallagher and two sisters named Erin Gallagher and Breanne Gallagher.
Their names are confirmed in Hockey Canada’s official 2012 World Junior Championship media guide.
The four children grew up in a sports-oriented household where their parents encouraged athletic participation and family activities.
Nolan Gallagher – Brendan Gallagher’s Brother
Nolan Gallagher is Brendan Gallagher’s brother.
He grew up with Brendan and their sisters in Alberta and British Columbia.
Nolan has maintained a relatively private life compared with his NHL-playing brother.
However, he has participated in family activities and charitable initiatives supporting cancer research.
In March 2024, Sportsnet reported that Nolan and his sister Breanne were preparing to participate in a marathon fundraiser after their mother was diagnosed with brain cancer.
The initiative demonstrated the family’s commitment to supporting Della and raising awareness about the disease.
Nolan also celebrated an important personal milestone when he married in August 2025.
According to The Hockey News, Brendan and Emma traveled to British Columbia to attend his wedding on August 29, 2025.
Although Nolan has appeared in family-related sports coverage, detailed information about his professional career and personal life remains limited.
Erin Gallagher – Brendan Gallagher’s Sister
Erin Gallagher is one of Brendan Gallagher’s two sisters.
She grew up alongside Brendan, Nolan, and Breanne in the family’s Alberta and British Columbia homes.
Erin has maintained a close connection with her family despite generally staying outside public sports coverage.
When Della Gallagher suffered a seizure in August 2021, Erin was among the relatives who traveled to Edmonton to support her mother.
According to Sportsnet, Erin joined the rest of the family during the difficult period following Della’s hospitalization.
She was also involved in family efforts to raise awareness about brain cancer.
Although older public profiles have mentioned Erin’s work in accounting, her current occupation and other personal details have not been independently verified.
Breanne “Bree” Gallagher – Brendan Gallagher’s Sister
Breanne Gallagher, commonly known as Bree Gallagher, is Brendan Gallagher’s other sister.
She grew up in the same athletic family and pursued competitive sports during her younger years.
Breanne has also become involved in charitable fundraising and cancer awareness activities.
In March 2024, she publicly discussed her mother’s battle with glioblastoma and helped organize fundraising efforts to support brain cancer research.
Her involvement continued following Della’s death in March 2025.
Breanne Gallagher’s Marathon Fundraising Efforts
On March 31, 2025, the Montreal Canadiens published an article announcing that Breanne would participate in the Vancouver Marathon on May 4.
She planned to run in memory of her mother and raise money for brain cancer research.
Breanne explained that Della had attended the previous year’s marathon and that seeing her mother near the finish line was an unforgettable memory.
For the 2025 event, she dedicated her participation to Della.
Brendan supported the initiative by sharing his sister’s fundraising campaign through social media.
According to the Canadiens, the proceeds were intended for the USC Brain Tumor Center.
The effort demonstrated the Gallagher siblings’ commitment to honoring their mother’s memory.
Brendan Gallagher’s Family Background and Childhood
Brendan Gallagher was born in Edmonton, Alberta, and spent part of his childhood in Sherwood Park.
He grew up in an athletic household where hockey, baseball, and other sports were important activities.
His father’s involvement in hockey training exposed him to competitive players and professional environments from a young age.
After the family relocated to British Columbia, Brendan joined the South Delta minor hockey system.
He later developed through the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League.
During four seasons with the Giants, Gallagher became one of the organization’s most productive offensive players.
The Montreal Canadiens selected him in the fifth round, 147th overall, of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
He made his NHL debut during the 2012–13 season and established himself as an energetic forward known for his competitiveness and leadership.
Gallagher spent 14 NHL seasons with Montreal, appearing in 911 regular-season games and recording 487 points.
On June 29, 2026, the Montreal Canadiens traded him to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for future considerations.
The move brought Gallagher closer to his family in British Columbia.
He publicly welcomed the opportunity to continue his career in the Vancouver area, where he had spent much of his childhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brendan Gallagher’s Family
Who is Brendan Gallagher’s wife?
Brendan Gallagher’s wife is Emma Fortin, a Canadian woman from Quebec. The couple married on July 6, 2024, in Montreal.
When did Brendan Gallagher get married?
Brendan Gallagher married Emma Fortin on July 6, 2024, after becoming engaged during a trip to Whistler, British Columbia, in July 2023.
Does Brendan Gallagher have children?
Yes. Brendan Gallagher has two daughters with his wife Emma Fortin: Everly Mona Della Gallagher, born in February 2025, and Ella Gallagher, whose birth was announced in August 2026.
Who is Brendan Gallagher’s first daughter?
His first daughter is Everly Mona Della Gallagher. Her middle name Della honors Brendan’s late mother.
Who is Brendan Gallagher’s father?
His father is Ian Gallagher, a former Vancouver Giants strength and conditioning coach and president of Delta Hockey Academy.
Who is Brendan Gallagher’s mother?
His mother was Della Gallagher, a physiotherapist and former athlete who supported her son’s hockey development.
When did Brendan Gallagher’s mother pass away?
Della Gallagher died on March 8, 2025, after battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, for approximately three and a half years.
How many siblings does Brendan Gallagher have?
Brendan Gallagher has three siblings: one brother named Nolan and two sisters named Erin and Breanne.
Who is Brendan Gallagher’s brother?
His brother is Nolan Gallagher, who has participated in fundraising efforts supporting cancer research. Nolan married in August 2025.
Who are Brendan Gallagher’s sisters?
His sisters are Erin Gallagher and Breanne Gallagher. Breanne, also known as Bree, has organized marathon fundraising efforts in memory of their mother.
Where did Brendan Gallagher grow up?
Brendan Gallagher spent his early childhood in Alberta before moving with his family to Tsawwassen, British Columbia, when he was approximately 12 years old.
Living and breathing ice hockey, Bernald Sanders delivers comprehensive coverage of the NHL season from puck drop to the Stanley Cup Finals. He specializes in tactical breakdowns, trade analysis, power-play strategies, and tracking rising draft prospects. Bernald turns fast-paced on-ice action into clear, sharp insights for hockey fans around the globe.
