St. Lawrence University's Charles W. Appleton II Men's Hockey Head Coach, Brent Brekke, has announced the addition of Greg Gardner to the Skating Saints coaching staff as Assistant Coach, rounding out the staff ahead of the Saints' centennial celebration. Gardner brings over two decades of coaching and playing experience at the collegiate and professional levels, with a reputation for developing elite goaltenders and contributing to championship-caliber teams.

"We're excited to welcome Greg to our staff!" said Brekke. "He brings a wealth of experience, having coached college hockey for many years. Greg has an outstanding history in recruiting and player development, especially at the goaltending position. As a former goaltender himself, Greg will be a great asset for our group of goalies."

Gardner joins the Saints following a tenure as Associate Head Coach at Mercyhurst University (2014–2025), where he played a pivotal role in player development, recruiting, and video analysis. During his time at Mercyhurst, Gardner helped guide the Lakers to multiple Atlantic Hockey Frozen Four appearances, including a Regular Season AHA title in 2017–18, when the team led the conference in power play scoring at 23.5%. That season also saw five players earn All-AHA honors. Under Gardner's tutelage, freshman goaltender Adam Carlson signed an NHL contract with the Washington Capitals in 2016, becoming the sixth player in program history to do so.

"I am honored and excited to join the St. Lawrence University community and proud men's hockey tradition," said Gardner. "Thank you to coach Brekke, the staff, and the administration for the opportunity."

Prior to Mercyhurst, Gardner spent three seasons at Princeton University, where he oversaw recruiting and player development. His work contributed to the growth of future NHL players, including goaltender Michael Condon. Gardner also served five seasons at his alma mater, Niagara University, helping lead the Purple Eagles to two CHA regular-season titles, a CHA tournament championship, and an NCAA tournament appearance.

As a player, Gardner was a standout goaltender at Niagara, graduating cum laude with a degree in commerce and psychology. In the 1999–2000 season, he led the NCAA in goals-against average (1.53) and set an NCAA record with 12 shutouts in a single season. He guided Niagara to CHA regular-season and tournament titles, and an NCAA tournament upset over top-seeded New Hampshire. Gardner was named to the NCAA West Regional All-Tournament Team and earned Niagara's Student-Athlete of the Year and Ockerman Award as the top business student.

Following graduation, Gardner became the first-ever NHL signee of the expansion Columbus Blue Jackets and the first NHL contract signee from Niagara University. His professional career spanned seven seasons in the AHL, ECHL, and Germany's ESBG Bundesliga, where he earned All-ECHL Second Team honors and was named Bundesliga Goaltender of the Year in 2006.