PWHL Montreal signs Jennifer Gardiner to two-year contract

One of the top offensive weapons taken in this year’s PWHL Draft has inked her first professional contract.

On Tuesday, PWHL Montreal announced they have signed forward Jennifer Gardiner to a two-year standard player agreement.

Gardiner heard her name called by Montreal in the second round, 11th overall, of the 2024 PWHL Draft. She was one of eight players selected out of Ohio State University, including Montreal teammate, Cayla Barnes.

“Jennifer had a great collegiate career, general manager Danièle Sauvageau said in a release. “On top of being productive, she learned how to win, and we are happy to have added a player of her calibre to our roster. We anticipate that she will fit very well in our offence and are looking forward to seeing her in a Montréal uniform.”

Gardiner was a veteran leader for a stacked Ohio State team over the past few seasons. The Surrey, British Columbia native helped the Buckeyes win the program’s first NCAA National Championship in 2022, accomplishing the feat once again this past year by beating rival Wisconsin in the championship game.

The 22-year-old also received some individual accolades during her time in Columbus, as she was a top-10 finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award for the best female player in college hockey in 2023 after scoring a career-high 57 points in 41 games. That same season, she was named an NCAA Second-Team All-American. In 176 collegiate games, Gardiner scored 71 goals and 100 assists.

“Playing professional hockey in the city of Montréal is a dream come true for me,” Gardiner said. “I can’t wait to be part of the passion and energy that the team, staff and fans exhibit. I’m looking forward to becoming part of the community and meeting all of the local aspiring female hockey players.”

As a result of the signing, Montreal has 10 forwards under contract for the 2024-25 season, and 18 of a possible 23 players signed to SPAs.