Gardner Slotted Seventh Amongst North American Goaltenders in Final NHL Central Scouting's Rankings
April 16, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release
Saskatoon Blades rookie goaltender Evan Gardner
(Saskatoon Blades)
Saskatoon, SK - The honours continue to pile up for Saskatoon Blades rookie netminder Evan Gardner. The Fort St. John, BC product has been ranked seventh amongst North American goaltenders on NHL Central Scouting's final rankings, previously ranked 16th in January.
Gardner's enjoyed one of the best rookie seasons any player has had in a Blades uniform. The East Division finalist for WHL Rookie of the Year went 21-5-0-2 with a league-leading 1.91 goals-against average and .927 save percentage. The 6-foot-2 netminder tied fellow Saskatoon goalie Austin Elliott for second in the WHL with four shutouts.
The 18-year-old was named WHL Rookie of the Week on Monday for the third time this season. Gardner posted a 2-0 record between Apr. 8th and Apr. 14th with a 0.88 goals-against average and a .952 save percentage. Saskatoon's 2021 third-round pick also received WHL Goalie of the Week during the regular season and is the reigning WHL Player of the Month for his performance in March.
Gardner is 6-0 in the playoffs this spring with a 1.42 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage. The NHL draft-eligible goalie has won his last 15 consecutive starts dating back to Jan. 31st in a 9-1 win over the Regina Pats. Gardner's been perfect at SaskTel Centre this season going 18-0 on home ice.
The Blades are in Red Deer for games 3 and 4 of their best-of-seven second round series this week against the Rebels. The Blades lead the series 2-0 with Game 3 set for Tuesday, April 16th, followed by Game 4 the following evening. Puck drop for both games is 7:00pm.
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 Saskatoon Blades rookie goaltender Evan Gardner |
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