| Daimon Gardner | Warroad HS | Minnesota HS | L | C | 6’4″ | 201 | Clarkson | 2023 | Eagle Lake, ON | 2004 | 2021-2022: C+ |
MNHS: Class A State Championship. Warroad vs Hermantown, March 13, 2022: Gardner is a lengthy power forward that is fast in open ice with an explosive first three steps. At his size, he can brush off contact and keep control of the puck in tight spaces holding guys off. Daimon backchecks just as hard as he gets in on the forecheck and is sure to take care of his own end. He was unable to find the scoresheet as he was held in check for most of the game but used his size to his advantage to get to the net and create some solid chances. GRADE: B
MNHS: Class A Semifinals. Warroad vs Mahtomedi, March 12, 2022: Big, strong power forward that left a big impression on the game. Scored the first three goals for his team and had eight shots on net. The first goal he picked off a clearing pass and in one motion snapped the puck through the goalies legs. His second goal he drove the post, shorthanded and finished a backdoor pass from Shaugabay. His third, he hammered a cross-ice pass on the PP by the goalie. He uses his size well at this level and is tough to contain along the boards or down below the dots. He fights through pressure well and gets to the net. Has a big shot with a lightning quick release. Shoots from anywhere and tries to create rebounds. Moves fairly well for a bigger body and at this level is able to use his speed and reach to gain the edge on defenders on zone entries. Grade: A-
USHL: 2020 Draft Recap, May 8, 2020: Daimon plays for Rink Hockey Academy in Manitoba and was a WHL pick last season. He was the leading scorer and MVP of the CSSHL E15 this season. He is a quick skater who gets to speed in no time and uses his speed to create off the rush or to take space away from defenders on the forecheck. He came on this season as it was clear the game slowed down for him. He processes plays quickly and attacks lanes. Interesting player on an upswing.
Rocky Mountain Classic, December 8, 2018: Gardner is a two-way forward who had a solid showing through the weekend and played in all situations excelling in those areas. Gardner is a quick skater who gets to speed in no time and uses his speed to create off the rush or to take space away from defenders on the forcheck. He works hard down low and in board battles though he could add some strength to go up against bigger players. Gardner has vision in the offensive end and can make plays from the perimeter. He will attack lanes and try to create space for his team. Gardner comes back hard in back pressure, using his speed to apply pressure to the puck carrier. Would like to see him engage for a bit on the physical side of the game. Can go quiet at times through the game. Grade: B+
North American Hockey Classic, June 27, 2018: Daimon continued to impress us with the scoring ability were so used to seeing from him. He did well to elevate the puck in tight on net and put up 5 goals over 6 games. He’s got good size that allows him to bully his way to the net and he’s effective at boxing out defenders in the corners. Grade: B
Winnipeg Bantam AAA, November 16, 2017: Daimon is arguably the best forward in this deep Monarchs lineup. He is a bigger boy who uses his size to his advantage and when determined can create scoring chances at will. He once again showed us his top end talent and strong hockey IQ. He is a very smart player and makes solid reads both with and without the puck. He knows where to be on the ice and the puck usually finds its way to him because of it.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images