Gunnar Gallun, a left-handed shooting forward for Evanston Township, is a two-way player who likes to get gritty in the corners and does not shy away from physical play in front of the net.

A junior in the fall, Gallun will skate his second varsity season for the Wildkits, sporting jersey No. 11.

And it will be the 10th consecutive season that a Gallun has skated for Evanston.

“It’s hard to believe that it has been that long; it’s definitely something that keeps me motivated (and) inspired to live up to what my brothers have (done),” Gunnar said.

The Gallun legacy started with Albert, known as Fritz, now 25. He works in commercial real estate in Chicago and was a four-year Evanston varsity player.

Then Peter, known as Pedro, who is 22 and just graduated from Wake Forest University where his club hockey team swept their first ACCHL Admiral’s Cup Championship, winning the final in overtime against the West Virginia Mountaineers 2-1 for their first ACC Championship in school history.

Finally, there’s Robert, aka, Robo, now 19, who plays ACHA hockey at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.

“My brothers have been influential on my game. I take qualities from each of them,” Gunnar said. “I try to play up to Fritz’s physical presence and Peter’s smooth play-making abilities. Robo, being a goalie, is hard to (follow) but occasionally, I sit in the slot and block shots.”

From his brothers, Gunnar gained toughness.

“Being the youngest was never easy. I was constantly used as hitting practice on our ODR during the winters and had to learn quickly that crying to mom didn’t change anything.”

Gunnar, who lives in Evanston, played his youth hockey for Evanston, including his NIHL Premier Select all-star season as a bantam. He also skated for the Evanston JV team that won the IHSHL North-Central Division championship and was the state runner-up.

“My brothers have been influences on my career,” he said. “Being the youngest of four, I grew up at the rink watching my older brothers play varsity hockey, which motivated me to work hard and fill their shoes.”

Gunnar once scored an overtime game-winner to advance to the state final four. And this past season, he tallied his first varsity goal against Chicago Central at Johnny’s Icehouse, tapping in a feed from Garrett Hagarty “It was a special moment to celebrate with my teammates,” Gunnar said.

“My most memorable game (this past season) was the rivalry game against Notre Dame over Thanksgiving break when we beat them (at home) in front of our loyal fans.”

Evanston head coach Evan Nielsen said Gunnar is “a high-tempo and high-energy player” who is a tenacious forechecker “and he’s got a sneaky quick release shot that he utilizes effectively off the wing.”

Nielsen added: “His joy for playing hockey is infectious. He’s one of those kids who always is having fun playing and that positive energy has a profound impact on the team.”

Evanston won the North-Central regular-season championship as the Wildkits finished 20-4, three points ahead of second-place BG/H/W.

In the playoffs, though, BG/H/W won the best-of-three finals over Evanston.

“My long-term goals are to be a leader in the classroom and on the ice. I’ve learned what it looks like to be a great leader (from) my older brothers and I want to continue their legacy,” Gunnar said. “My goals for the upcoming season are to compete in the league championship; I am hungry to do so after making it far last year and not finishing the job.”

Slapshots With … Evanston Forward Gunnar Gallun

Off The Ice: “I enjoy going to the gym during the off-season to get stronger on the ice.”

Second Sport: Lacrosse, “to keep my competitive spirit up, and, (it) brings me an alternative perspective by being a multi-sport athlete.”

Hobbies: “My hobbies are playing blitzball with my brothers, surfing on Lake Michigan during the winters, fishing when the weather is nice, sneaking onto our local golf course and playing a couple holes while I walk my dogs.”

Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks 

Favorite NHL Player: Matthew Tkachuk 

Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Hoosiers 

Favorite TV Show: Breaking Bad 

Motivational Song: For Whom the Bell Tolls by Metallica 

Favorite Pre-game Meal: Poke 

Favorite app: Clash of Clans 

Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Shota Imanaga 

Best Hockey Tip: “Get pucks deep.” – Every hockey player ever

Best Illinois High School Uniform (other than Evanston): “Glenbrook South has some classic blue home unis, kind of inspired by the Miracle on Ice; they are pretty sweet.”