Saskatoon Blades goalie Evan Gardner named WHL Goaltender of the Week

(Courtesy: Saskatoon Blades)

Saskatoon Blades goalie and Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Evan Gardner has been named the WHL Goaltender of the Week, for the week ending Oct. 12.

Gardner went 2-0 with a 0.50 goals-against-average and .979 save percentage, notching wins over the Vancouver Giants and Kamloops Blazers.

Gardner was named first star of the Oct. 11 game against Kamloops, turning aside all 32 shots he faced to earn a shutout. It was the eighth shutout of his WHL career, passing former Blades star Braden Holtby for third on the franchise’s all-time list.

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Gardner’s play has been a big reason the Blades sit near the top of the WHL standings, with a 7-2-0-0 record. The product of Fort St. John B.C. has a 5-1-0-0 record and is among the WHL leaders in most major goaltending categories.

The 19-year-old was chosen in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Gardner and the Blades are in action Friday Oct. 17 when they host the Moose Jaw Warriors. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. at SaskTel Centre.