In January, was playing with the American Hockey League乌鸦传媒檚 Wilkes-Barre/Scraton Penguins when he was summoned to the Western Hockey League by the Kelowna Rockets.

After an impressive half season in Kelowna to close out his junior career, the sharpshooting forward is headed back to Pennsylvania to resume his pro career.

The Penguins this week announced the signing of Gardiner to an AHL contract for the 2017-18 season.

Gardiner, from the Prince Albert Raiders prior to the WHL乌鸦传媒檚 trade deadline, looks forward to his return to the pro ranks.

乌鸦传媒淚乌鸦传媒檓 excited for this next step and to be able to play in the AHL again,乌鸦传媒� said Gardiner, a native of Humboldt, Sask. 乌鸦传媒淚 feel like I乌鸦传媒檓 ready to play pro hockey again and especially with it being in Wilkes-Barre. I乌鸦传媒檓 very excited for what乌鸦传媒檚 to come.乌鸦传媒�

Gardiner乌鸦传媒檚 time in Kelowna may have been brief but. In 28 regular season games, he had 18 goals and 37 points. In the playoffs, Gardiner raised his game to another level with a club record 15 goals align with 13 assists in just 17 games to finish third in WHL postseason scoring.

Despite the Rockets being eliminated in the Western Conference final, Gardiner valued every minute of his time with the Rockets.

乌鸦传媒淜elowna prepared me a lot,乌鸦传媒� said Gardiner. 乌鸦传媒淟earning from new coaches and new guys, being able to play deep into the playoffs, and just soaking everything in,乌鸦传媒� said Gardiner. 乌鸦传媒淪eeing how Kelowna operated was very cool, and it was cool to be a part of. I feel like I improved greatly from my time in Kelowna and they乌鸦传媒檝e helped me take this next step.乌鸦传媒�