By Drew Wilson

Gardiner signs with Raiders

Jun 13, 2011 | 4:50 PM

Reid Gardiner said his mom jumped for joy when the 14-year-old from Humboldt was selected eigth overall by the Prince Albert Raiders at the WHL Bantam Draft.

The 50-goal scorer from last season with the Bantam AA Broncos tried on his Raider jersey for the first time in front of the media at the Art Hauser Centre, Monday.

It's exciting and nerve wracking looking ahead to his first WHL training camp, said Gardiner.

“I'm pretty pumped to meet the guys and get on the ice hoping to get my legs under me for the first couple of days, so I'm pretty pumped for that.”

Coach and GM Bruno Campese said Gardiner impressed Raider scouts with his skill putting up 81 points in just 24 games with the Bantam Broncos. However they also liked his play away from the puck, said Campese.

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“He's a very responsible player, you don't see that typically in players of that age. He works hard, his greatest asset is his work ethic, he always keeps his feet moving, he's tenacious, but he does it at both ends of the rink.”

Gardiner takes pride in his character and leadership abilities. He doesn't envision becoming a 50 goal scorer in the WHL but has been able the find the net several different ways over the past couple of seasons.

“Lots off the rush and off the cycle, maybe off a broken play I'll take the puck from the corner right to the net, lots of 2-on-1's, rushes and battling down low.”

Gardiner can only play in five games in 2011-2012 until his Midget AAA season with the Saskatoon Contacts is over and his chances of becoming a full time Raider as a 16 year old is very good, said Campese.

“We do believe if he progresses with his strength because that is the biggest issue, if he can really work at that part of his game, we believe he can step in as a 16 year old because he does have the work ethic, he does have some good foundation as far as structure to his game. If he can get some strength on his frame then yeah we see him here as a 16 year old.”

Gardiner likes the idea of developing his game with the Midget AAA Contacts and having his family close once he makes the jump to the WHL.

“It will be easy with the Mintos in the league (Midget AAA). It's a quick drive up to Saskatoon to watch me play so the Raiders will be monitoring me pretty closely and say if I'm having a bad night my parents can drive up and take me out for supper, it will be good.”

The Gardiner family was on hand for the news conference to announce Reid's signing. It was important to have Gardiner's mom, dad and younger brother involved in the process, said Campese.

“We are trying to create a family identity and a feeling of togetherness with that family. So having them attend is extremely important to get to know us and to get to know them and get a feel of what our family and our organization is like as well.”

The five-foot-11, 162-pound centreman was born in Prince Albert. Training camp opens Aug 25.

dwilson@rawlco.com