Reid Gardiner Named CCM ECHL Rookie of the Month

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce that Reid Gardiner has been selected as CCM ECHL Rookie of the Month for October.

Gardiner, 21, has enjoyed a spectacular first month with the Nailers, recording at least one point in all six games thus far, while lighting the lamp in five of the six contests. Reid made an immediate impact on the team, as he picked up a goal and an assist on opening night in Greenville, including the winning marker. The following night, he added two more helpers, as Wheeling swept the Swamp Rabbits. The native of Humboldt, Saskatchewan closed out October with a four-game goal streak, with the majority of his tallies coming at key times. Gardiner knotted the score in an eventual 4-2 win over Cincinnati in the home opener, scored to force overtime against Reading on October 22nd, and netted his second game winning goal on October 27th at Brampton. Two of his five goals have come on the power play, and his five goals are the most among ECHL rookies.

Reid got a large taste of professional hockey last season, as he appeared in 23 games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, registering three goals, three assists, and six points. However, he still qualifies as a rookie, as he began 2017-18 with fewer than 25 professional games played. After his time in the AHL, Gardiner returned to junior hockey, and the WHL's Kelowna Rockets, racking up 37 points in 28 regular season matches, then tacking on 15 goals and 28 points in 17 playoff games, as the Rockets reached the Western Conference Final. Reid averaged over one point per game in 2015-16 as well, collecting 43 goals and 92 points in 71 games with the Prince Albert Raiders.

This is the seventh time in team history that a Wheeling player has been chosen as CCM ECHL Rookie of the Month. The last player to earn the honor was Cody Wydo, who did so in March during the 2015-16 season. Mike Condon is the only Nailer to win the award multiple times, doing so in November and April of the 2013-14 campaign.

Reid Gardiner and the Wheeling Nailers will play host to the Cincinnati Cyclones on Friday at 7:05 for a Frosty Friday. Next Friday, November 10th, is Marvel Super Hero Night, when Wheeling wears Captain America jerseys against the Toledo Walleye at 7:05. Fans will be able to meet Captain America, Iron Man, and Black Widow, while the first 1,000 kids in attendance will receive a free cape. To purchase tickets, or to get more information about season tickets, flex plans, group tickets, and more, call (304) 234-GOAL.