In 1943, after playing professional hockey for three years and winning the Memorial Cup, he joined the Canadian military and took part in World War II.
With the Rovers, Gardner centred a line with fellow Manitobans Church Russell and Rene Trudell.
[1] The trio were dominant, with all three players being called up to the Rangers and making their National Hockey League debut on February 10, 1946.
"[3][4] Following the 1948 season, the Rangers traded Gardner to the Toronto Maple Leafs, with whom he won two Stanley Cup championships.
[6][7] While playing for the Springfield Indians of the AHL in the 1957–58 season, Gardner served as an assistant coach.