A Humboldt-raised hockey player that made it to the Western Hockey League is hanging up his skates.
Erik Gardiner, who’s ending his hockey career as the assistant captain of the Kelowna Rockets, announced his retirement Jan. 16.
“I've made the decision for my health and future to retire from hockey,” he said in a statement posted on his Twitter account. “Junior hockey has been the best time of my life so far.”
Gardiner has played for the Humboldt Broncos Bantam AA for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons and the Humboldt Broncos for the 2016-17 season. He’s also played for the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League’s Prince Albert Mintos and the WHL’s Regina Pats and Kelowna Rockets.
While playing for the Rockets, Gardiner wore a jersey with a special number significant to him.
“It was an honour to be able to wear the number 11 in my final year of junior for my fallen friend Jacob Leicht,” he said. “Thank you to the Humboldt Broncos for giving me the honour to wear the jersey and to develop my skills to stick in the WHL.”
Bruce Hamilton, the Rockets’ general manager, said in a media release his team supports Gardiner’s decision 100 per cent.
“The Kelowna Rockets organization and I would like to thank Erik for everything he has done on and off the ice,” he said. We wish Erik all the best moving forward. We will continue to be involved with him in the future.”
