Gardiner is a versatile offensive defenseman with size, quick feet and great hands. He was quickly able to adjust and adapt to playing on the blueline after having played much of his career as a forward. Gardiner has demonstrated remarkably sound and smart positional play. He utilizes his speed and hockey instincts to play the defensive position effectively. It is further enhanced by his tremendous on-ice awareness, and his ability to read and react to developing plays accordingly. Depending upon how well his development progresses at the collegiate level, Gardiner could eventually blossom into a complete defenseman who is equally adept on both sides of the puck. Gardiner’s skating is one of his best attributes. He is very agile and has tremendously quick feet that can be seen particularly in his transitioning. He combines long, fluid strides with good pivots and explosive speed.US NEWS PAPER
