Gardiner impresses his Canucklehead cousin at rookie showcase

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Not only did Gardiner score that goal in front of a family and friends, but in front of a lot of players with Raider connections as well. Gardiner was teammates with Mackenze Stewart on the Canucks throughout the tournament and rookie camp. They played the Winnipeg Jets prospects that game, which feature the likes of former Raiders captain Josh Morrissey and current third-year forward Matteo Gennaro.

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“That was cool playing against a former teammate in Josh and a teammate coming back here, Matteo. We talked a little on the ice and saw each other after the game,” said Gardiner. “They had good games, Josh obviously scored there for them and Matteo looked good. It was another cool experience.”

Going to NHL camps is nothing new for Gardiner. After getting passed on in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Gardiner was invited to attend Minnesota Wild’s camp, along with Hunter Warner.

“In Minnesota, I wanted to go soak everything up and be a sponge and learn as much as I could to use that at the next camp, wherever I went,” said Gardiner. “I think this year, I wanted to go prove something and go prove that I belong at camp. I think I did that, I played well.”

Gardiner came back to Prince Albert in time to hit the bus down to Regina to play the Pats in the Raiders’ second last preseason game. Gardiner’s younger brother Erik is looking to make the Pats for his 16-year-old season.

Although he got another taste of professional hockey this year, Gardiner can’t wait to start the regular season with the Raiders.

“When I was flying home this year, I was thinking about the season upcoming. I kinda want to get the games going. I know we’re playing in Regina tonight, but I guess I really want to get the regular season going,” said Gardiner. “Fans should be excited. I think we have a good thing going here, once guys start coming back, we’ll put more things in place and get ready for the home opener.”

After Friday’s road game, the Raiders will host the Pats this Friday to wrap up their preseason. They’ll start the regular season in the Bridge City Sept. 25 to take on the Saskatoon Blades. They’ll host the Blades a day after Sept. 26 for the Raiders’ home opener at the Art Hauser Centre.

jdandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea