The Journey of Evan Gardner
In the realm of junior hockey, the journey of Evan Gardner, a goaltender for the Saskatoon Blades, embodies a compelling narrative of resilience and determination. Following a disappointing exclusion from Hockey Canada’s selection camp for the 2025 World Junior Championships last December, Gardner was devastated, openly weeping when he received the news from Blades general manager Colin Priestner.
“What else can I do?”
the young goalie expressed his frustration, to which Priestner could only offer encouragement, urging him to prove his doubters wrong.
From Disappointment to Opportunity
Fast forward eight months, and the 19-year-old Gardner found himself at the World Junior Summer Showcase in Minneapolis, equipped in Hockey Canada gear and ready to compete for a spot on the 2026 national team. Reflecting on his disappointment from last winter, he stated,
“I was pretty heartbroken not to get an invite… I really put in a ton of time into my craft and a ton of work with my goalie coach, and it panned out, so I’m super pumped. This is something special for me.”
Despite not being the frontrunner for a position on the national team, Gardner is determined to make his mark. He is competing alongside notable returnees Carter George and Jack Ivankovic, both of whom have prior experience with Team Canada. Currently, Gardner aims to secure the role of the third goalie, but he remains optimistic about his chances, as he has grown accustomed to navigating challenges throughout his career.
Overcoming Challenges
Raised in the small town of Fort St. John, British Columbia, Gardner had limited resources and faced tough competition in hockey, playing predominantly in AA leagues. His next significant step was moving to Kelowna to enroll at RINK Hockey Academy, where he was eventually drafted in the third round of the 2021 WHL bantam draft. His initial hopes were hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which unexpectedly shifted the draft timeline and affected his initial draft position.
Gardner’s path had its share of setbacks; he didn’t make the Blades roster as a 16-year-old and began his draft year as a backup goalie. Despite being ranked as a potential later-round pick, he ended the season strongly, posting a .927 save percentage and catching the attention of NHL scouts, ultimately being picked by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the second round of the draft.
Managing Health and Success
Throughout this journey, he has also had to manage Type 1 diabetes, a condition he was diagnosed with eight years ago. His ability to balance his health with the demands of competitive hockey has been admirable.
“He’s a very popular guy in the room… He handles his diabetes extremely well, which is commendable for someone his age,”
said Dan Da Silva, head coach of the Blades, who highlighted Gardner’s maturity and positive attitude.
After a successful season as a starter for the Blades, Gardner has already signed an entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets, showcasing his growing reputation and work ethic. Last spring, he made his debut in the AHL with the Cleveland Monsters, signaling the beginning of his professional hockey career.
A Bright Future Ahead
Currently, Gardner’s competitive spirit and technical skills are being refined under the guidance of esteemed coaches as he aims for a prominent role in Team Canada. Dan De Palma, the goalie coach for Team Canada, has been impressed with Gardner’s skill set, emphasizing that his size does not overshadow his ability to perform and compete at high levels.
“He’s very sound technically and competitively, and he does not make many mistakes,”
De Palma noted.
As Gardner continues his journey, there is a strong belief in his potential, not just for his hometown Blades, but also for the Blue Jackets organization, which has already begun to view him as a valuable asset. His resilience and dedication position him for future success, not only in the WHL but beyond into the professional arena.
