T. J. Galiardi

T. J. Galiardi (born April 22, 1988, in Calgary, Alberta) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche in the National Hockey League.

Early years
Galiardi was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, the son of Terry and Lori Galiardi. He has two brothers, Rylan and Daniel. Because his mother is a United States citizen, Galiardi holds dual Canadian and U.S. citizenship.

Playing career
Galiardi was drafted in the second round, 55th overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche. Galiardi played junior hockey with the Calgary Royals of the Alberta Junior Hockey League before he was selected by the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL Bantam Draft in 2006.

Galiardi however opted to play collegiate hockey with Dartmouth College for the 2006–07 season. He finished the season with 31 points in 33 games for the Big Green, second to fellow Avalanche prospect David Jones. Galiardi left collegiate hockey to return to the Western Hockey League for the 2007–08 season. Upon his return the Calgary native had a homecoming of sorts when he was traded by the Winterhawks to the Calgary Hitmen for a 3rd round pick on August 30, 2007. Galiardi had a successful season with the Hitmen, placing second in the WHL among rookies, with 70 points, then leading the entire WHL in playoff scoring.

On May 13, 2008, Galiardi was signed by the Avalanche to a three-year entry level contract. He made his professional debut with the Avalanche's affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters of the AHL at the start of the 2008–09 season. On March 19, 2009, Galiardi received his first NHL recall. He made his NHL debut with the Avalanche the same day in a 8-1 loss against the Edmonton Oilers. Galiardi scored his first NHL goal on March 27, against Roberto Luongo of the Vancouver Canucks despite the team losing 4-1.

Awards and achievements

 * 2005–06 AJHL  South All-Star
 * 2006–07 ECAC  All-Rookie Team
 * 2007–08 Calgary Hitmen Rookie of the Year