Reid Gardiner Named to 2017-18 ECHL All-Rookie Team

WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce that forward Reid Gardiner has been named to the 2017-18 ECHL All-Rookie Team.

Gardiner, 22, got his ECHL career off to a blazing hot start, as he began the season with the Nailers, notching at least one point in each of his first ten games. Reid netted the winning goal in four of the team's first six victories, and his eight game winning tallies on the year rank tied for second in the league. The Humboldt, Saskatchewan native compiled another ten-game point streak later in the season, which included his first career hat trick in a 5-2 win at Worcester on January 20th. With two games left on the regular season schedule, Gardiner has amassed 28 goals, 26 assists, and 54 points, with the 28 goals ranking first on Wheeling's roster and tied for second among ECHL rookies. Reid netted multiple goals in a game on six different occasions, while recording mutliple points in 13 games. The forward earned ECHL Rookie of the Month honors twice this year, becoming the second player in team history to win the award twice. Mike Condon was the other player in 2013-14.

"We are very proud of Reid and how hard he has worked to develop his game during his first pro season," said Nailers Head Coach Jeff Christian. "We have had a player named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team in back-to-back seasons, which says a lot about our ability to develop young players, and help them reach their full potential."

Reid Gardiner becomes the 15th player in Wheeling history to be selected to the ECHL All-Rookie Team, and the second in as many years, following in the footsteps of Kevin Schulze, who captured a spot on the 2016-17 team. The Nailers have had at least one player chosen to an end of season team for five straight years and nine of the last ten campaigns. Gardiner is joined on the 2017-18 ECHL All-Rookie Team by fellow forwards Grant Besse (Norfolk) and Justin Danforth (Cincinnati), defensemen Aaron Irving (Kalamazoo) and T.J. Melancon (Norfolk), and goaltender Mitch Gillam (Worcester).

The Wheeling Nailers will close out the 2017-18 regular season with two games on the road, as they visit Brampton on Friday at 7:15, followed by a 7:30 tilt in Fort Wayne on Saturday. For information about 2018 Kelly Cup Playoff tickets and 2018-19 season tickets, call (304) 234-GOAL.