Winnipeg-born linesman Ryan Galloway has officially retired from his role on the ice.
Galloway, hailing from St. James, capped off his distinguished career in a fitting manner, officiating his final professional game on Monday night at the Canada Life Centre. The Winnipeg Jets secured a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings in what marked Galloway’s 1,406th game.
Reflecting on the occasion, Galloway expressed a mix of emotions, acknowledging both the joy and sadness that accompanied the end of his 40-year journey in a role he deeply cherished. He conveyed excitement for the next chapter alongside his wife Rhonda.
Surrounded by around 200 friends and family members, Galloway was honored by both teams for his illustrious 22-year tenure in the league. Notably, he received signed jerseys from both the Kings and Jets teams, along with signed sticks from Anze Kopitar and Adam Lowry.
Following the game, the celebration continued with a reception attended by nearly 300 people, reaffirming the immense support Galloway and his wife have received throughout his career.
Despite his enduring passion for the game, Galloway revealed that he had signed a succession planning agreement with the league about five years ago, allowing him to exit on a positive note.
While his heart and mind remain devoted to officiating, Galloway acknowledged the toll on his body, recognizing that the physical demands of the game had become increasingly challenging with age.
Galloway’s journey in officiating began at the age of 12, starting with youth hockey games before progressing through various levels, including the Western Hockey League. His NHL career commenced with an exhibition game in Winnipeg between the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers in 2002, a moment he fondly remembers as his inaugural NHL experience.
After more than two decades in the NHL, Galloway has observed significant changes within the league.
“The emphasis on fitness, athleticism, and skating has undergone a remarkable transformation in terms of expectations and requirements for the job,” he remarked. “Moreover, technology has played a pivotal role. When I first started, we relied on VHS tapes for post-game analysis. Now, we have HD cameras capturing every play from the blue line.”
Looking ahead to the next phase of his life, Galloway expressed a desire to become more involved with Hockey Manitoba and the Junior Hockey League. He aims to impart his knowledge and provide guidance to the upcoming generation of players.
In true Manitoba fashion, Galloway is eagerly anticipating spending leisurely moments with his wife at their Betula Lake cottage. He looks forward to the freedom of enjoying the cottage without the constraints of a professional schedule, relishing the opportunity to exercise without the pressures of a professional athlete.
Reflecting on the conclusion of his NHL career, Galloway acknowledged the significance of celebrating the momentous occasion in his hometown.
“It was an incredibly special night to celebrate here in Winnipeg, where my journey began. Ending it in Winnipeg felt fitting,” he remarked, appreciating the full-circle nature of concluding his career where it all started.
