Eagle Lake First Nation’s Daimon Gardner is one step closer to his dream of playing in the NHL.
The 6’4”, 200 lb centre has been selected 112th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the third round of the 2022 NHL Draft held in Montreal this weekend.
He was ranked as the #54th best prospect in this year’s draft by Elite Prospects. They say Gardner’s elite senses help him drive the middle lane and he uses his large frame to protect against defenders. As well, he’s strong offensively and is willing to win battles, bully defenders and create screens in front of the net.
Gardner played on three teams between the United States High School League and the United States Hockey League in the 2021-2022 season, posting 83 points in only 30 games with Warroad High. He later scored 2 points in 7 game stints for both the Omaha Lancers and Tri-City Storm of the USHL.
Gardner has committed to the Chilliwack Chiefs of the BCHL for the upcoming season before he heads to the NCAA’s Clarkson University in New York for 2023-24.
