In January, was playing with the American Hockey League鈥檚 Wilkes-Barre/Scraton Penguins when he was summoned to the Western Hockey League by the 琉璃神社 Rockets.
After an impressive half season in 琉璃神社 to close out his junior career, the sharpshooting forward is headed back to Pennsylvania to resume his pro career.
The Penguins this week announced the signing of Gardiner to an AHL contract for the 2017-18 season.
Gardiner, from the Prince Albert Raiders prior to the WHL鈥檚 trade deadline, looks forward to his return to the pro ranks.
鈥淚鈥檓 excited for this next step and to be able to play in the AHL again,鈥� said Gardiner, a native of Humboldt, Sask. 鈥淚 feel like I鈥檓 ready to play pro hockey again and especially with it being in Wilkes-Barre. I鈥檓 very excited for what鈥檚 to come.鈥�
Gardiner鈥檚 time in 琉璃神社 may have been brief but. In 28 regular season games, he had 18 goals and 37 points. In the playoffs, Gardiner raised his game to another level with a club record 15 goals align with 13 assists in just 17 games to finish third in WHL postseason scoring.
Despite the Rockets being eliminated in the Western Conference final, Gardiner valued every minute of his time with the Rockets.
鈥溋鹆裆� prepared me a lot,鈥� said Gardiner. 鈥淟earning from new coaches and new guys, being able to play deep into the playoffs, and just soaking everything in,鈥� said Gardiner. 鈥淪eeing how 琉璃神社 operated was very cool, and it was cool to be a part of. I feel like I improved greatly from my time in 琉璃神社 and they鈥檝e helped me take this next step.鈥�
