Jeff Gardiner, A Chatham-Kent Athlete Who Came baCK
Chatham-Kent sends athletes across Ontario, Canada, and the globe each year to compete athletically. Sponsored by baCK to Chatham-Kent, we’ll be featuring local athletes who have left Chatham-Kent, and are now baCK, living, working, and staying connected to our own vibrant sports community in CK.
This week, we feature Tilbury’s Jeff Gardiner.
Gardiner grew up playing minor hockey in Tilbury, and with the Chatham Maroons before moving away to play in the OHL, most notably with the North Bay Centennials and Detroit Compuware Ambassadors where he scored 30 goals and 72 points in only 58 games in his final OHL season.
Now, Gardiner is back living and working in Chatham-Kent.
Here are Jeff’s responses to our baCK to Chatham-Kent athletes interview:
1. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Tilbury and played Minor Hockey in
Tilbury until Chatham Maroons at 15. I left home to play OHL hockey at 16
2. What is your favourite Chatham-Kent pastime?
Watching my son Nolan play hockey. I enjoy playing golf in the summer at different courses and playing hockey as well in the winter with a great group of guys.
3. What did you do after high school?
I played OHL hockey and went to high school in Hamilton/Niagara Falls, North Bay and Detroit. I started taking college courses my last year of OHL hockey. I attended NHL training camp with some minor pro options, but after some injuries/surgeries I used my education package from the OHL and attended the University of Windsor.
4. What are you doing now?
I am currently the Human Resources Manager with Rafih Auto Group in Windsor.
5. What would you tell someone who is considering living in Chatham-Kent?
It’s a great place to live. You have a small town feel, lots to do and you are also close to the city with Windsor and London not far away.
7. Why did you choose to move baCK to Chatham-Kent?
I have lots of family and friends who reside in Chatham-Kent
8. Describe your current sports involvement?
I helped coach my son Nolan in Tilbury Minor Hockey and AAA hockey until he moved on to Junior Hockey. It has been awesome watching him progress to play OHL and QMJHL hockey and I currently enjoy watching him play now at the University of Windsor.