IN THE NEWS: Jake Gardiner - Minnetonka

Courtesy of the Star Tribune

New role turned out to be jolt he needed

By Dean Spiros

Jake Gardiner was a good high school forward, but being willing to change led to him becoming a great defenseman.

For many, it will be one of the lasting images from the 2007-08 boys' hockey season:

Minnetonka defenseman Jake Gardiner wheels around his own net to pick up the puck. By the time he reaches his own blue line he's already at full speed. There's no stopping him now.

Finding a lane, he homes in on the opponents' net. Depending on his best option, Gardiner will either let go a blistering wrist shot or feed a teammate on the doorstep, having proved equally adept at both.

To watch Gardiner is to declare him a natural, but the Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year is the first to admit that he was transformed with the help of some knowledgeable and caring individuals who likely have changed his life forever.

A year ago, Gardiner was a good high school forward whose game, in the words of his coach, had plateaued. Today he can't make a move on the ice without a bevy of NHL scouts taking notice. Gardiner (6-2, 178) is a likely first-round draft pick in this summer's NHL draft. He will play next season for the Wisconsin Badgers.

All because he went along with the suggestion to move from forward to defense.

Ken Pauly, who coached Minnetonka last season before returning to Benilde-St. Margaret's this year, needed a quarterback on the power play last season and decided to use Gardiner on the point. Minnesota State Mankato coach Troy Jutting, who had an interest in Gardiner, suggested Pauly move Gardiner to defense.

Pauly made the switch for the last game of the season after exchanging e-mails on the subject with MSU assistant coach Eric Means. A budding star was born.

Over the summer, Gardiner played defense for the U.S. Under-18 team that competed in Europe; he also accepted a scholarship offer from Wisconsin. This fall, still at his new position, he played in the High School Elite League.

Playing for an outstanding Minnetonka team this winter that finished 24-4 (losing 3-2 to Benilde-St. Margaret's in the Class 2A, Section 6 final), Gardiner scored 20 goals and added 28 assists, both team highs. His production was matched by the obvious joy he received from racing around the ice in control.

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