By Brent Bosker

Raiders’ first round pick hopes to crack squad at 16

May 8, 2011 | 8:39 AM

He has been the property of the Raiders for only a few days, and already the club’s first round pick this year has been compared to Mark McNeill, a potential first round pick in the June NHL draft.

“Reid Gardiner works hard every shift he is on the ice just like Mark McNeill. Gardiner has got very good hands, he is good on the power play, he may score easier than McNeill who had over 30 goals this year,” said director of player personnel, Dale Derkatch.

Reid, who was born in Prince Albert was one of 10 players selected by the Raiders in Thursday’s

Western Hockey League (WHL) Bantam Draft in Calgary. paNOW’s Brent Bosker went one-on-one with Reid after the draft.

Bosker: “Reid, tell me what your reaction was when you were selected by the Raiders?”

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Gardiner: “I was very excited. Just the chance to go to training camp and put a jersey on for the first time it’s going to be exciting.”

Bosker: “Did you have any idea that you would be picked by the Raiders?”

Gardiner: “Yeah, they called me about three times, as soon as Seattle and Everett passed over me I knew there was a pretty good chance that P.A. would take me.”

Bosker: “How do you feel about playing in P.A.?”

Gardiner: “It would be awesome. It's a small city with a good fan base.”

Bosker: “Reid, you grew up in Humboldt, but you were born in Prince Albert. Your family must be excited that you will be playing close to home?

Gardiner: “Yeah, they are real excited. I lived there when I was four and they taught there … so we have a connection to P.A. definitely.”

Bosker: “Why do you think the Raiders selected you?

Gardiner: “I think I fit into their system pretty well. I'm a Saskatchewan born player, rough, a tough guy. I like to go into the corners. I think they liked my character and leadership.”

Bosker: “What do you think is your greatest strength as a hockey player?”

Gardiner: “My greatest strength probably would (be)fore checking down low and a creating offense from the cycle or off a broken play.”

Bosker: “What's your plan for next season?”

Gardiner: “To play for the Midget AAA Saskatoon Contacts and light it up there. I don’t know just be a role player there.”

Bosker: “Have you set a goal for cracking the Raiders' roster?”

Gardner: “I'd really like to suit up for the Raiders as a 16-year-old rookie in grade 11.”

Bosker: “Finally, what has the team said to you to prepare you for to the eventual jump from Midget AAA to the major, junior ranks?”

Gardiner: “They’ve kind of said keep working hard, keep doing what you’re doing and keep building up muscle and you’ll be here when your 16.”

bbosker@panow.com