Sports stats



WHL Saskatoon Blades

Gardner Named WHL Goalie of the Month

April 1, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


Saskatoon, SK - Saskatoon Blades rookie netminder Evan Gardner has been named WHL Goalie of the Month for March. The WHL announced the news Monday afternoon.

This marks the first time Gardner has captured the award this season, though he has previously been named WHL Rookie of the Week twice, and WHL Goalie of the Week once.

Gardner capped out the final month of regular season play going 5-0 with a .938 save-percentage, and a 27-save shutout in game 68 at SaskTel Centre vs the Prince Albert Raiders.

The 18-year-old's fifth win in March came in his WHL playoff debut Friday in Game 2 against the Raiders, stopping 31-of-32 shots en route to a 4-1 victory. Gardner received a loud ovation from more than 8000 fans at SaskTel Centre and earned first star for his performance.

Gardner was a huge reason for one of the most successful seasons in franchise history with a 21-5-0-2 record, becoming one of only two rookies to surpass the 20-win mark. Saskatoon finished with a 50-13-2-3 record and clinched their fifth Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy in franchise history.

Gardner finished the campaign ranked first in goals-against average (1.91), save percentage (.927), and tied for second in shutouts (four) alongside fellow Blades netminder Austin Elliott.

Gardner's ranked 16th amongst North American goaltenders by NHL Central Scouting ahead of June's NHL Entry Draft.

Round 1 presented by Save-on-Foods between the Blades and Raiders continues Tuesday and Wednesday for games 3 and 4 at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert. Puck drop for both contests is 7:00pm.

Check out the Saskatoon Blades Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from April 1, 2024


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central