TORONTO – Jake Gardiner is slowly learning the rules of rookie tact, the unwritten guidelines of being a first-year pro. Teal Green Paul Posluszny Elite Youth Jersey . Sit up front on the bus and plane, last off the plane when it arrives, last on the elevator at the road hotel, and last of course to fill your plate with food in any environment. Minor details yes, but also critical values veterans traditionally try to instill. Know your place in the food chain; an existence that is most certainly at the bottom. “Well some guys tell me that theres no lines getting on the bus first, getting off the plane first,” explained Gardiner, “and then other guys are always saying ‘Gards, youre getting off the plane first again! “Everyones having fun with it.” Its been a learning experience for the 21-year-old from Deephaven, Minnesota, who spent the past three seasons riding buses at the University of Wisconsin. There was for instance that time he hopped the elevator ahead of a few vets on the road, not knowing the priority sequence which entails that he be last. “Johnny-Liles said never do that again so I try and just stay away from that, stay in the background,” said Gardiner with a chuckle. “Liles is always in my face…he likes to mess with me a little bit.” Like Gardiner, John-Michael Liles spent his pre-NHL days in college, playing four years at Michigan State University. College rookies experience a similar existence of subordination to those in the pros, although Gardiner says the NHL is a step up in that regard as well. “I think guys are a little bit more lenient here,” he said. “In college, you really couldnt do anything when you were a rookie.” Aside from the luxurious travel – albeit extensive and rigourous – the most rewarding aspect of NHL life for Gardiner is playing alongside the likes of Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf, both off to fast starts for the red-hot Leafs (9-3-1). “My buddies always ask me how it is playing with those stars,” said Gardiner. “Its been pretty fun for me. As I get to know them more and more its more of a fun experience. “Dions such a good leader and Phil is so skilled, he always knows where everybody is on the ice. Its fun to play with players like that.” Gardiners acclimation to the NHL game was almost instant. He was easily the most impressive player in training camp, earning an opening night job on the Leafs blue-line. While he sat for a couple games shortly thereafter – with Ron Wilson looking to get Cody Franson some action – Gardiner has all but cemented himself in the lineup presently, displaying poise beyond his years. Hes logged nearly 18 minutes a game this season and tallied five assists. The days of seven-hour bus rides look to be in the rear-view mirror. Black Alan Ball Limited Mens Jersey .C. - Bernhard Langer overcame a bad start Saturday to take a two-stroke lead after the second round of the Champions Tours Greater Hickory Classic. Black John Cyprien Limited Youth Jersey . Sotnikova trailed the 2010 Olympic champion by just .28 points after the short program on Wednesday, but had a brilliant free skate on Thursday. She earned a top score of 149.EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Oil Kings overwhelmed the Brandon Wheat Kings en route to a 5-0 win in Game 1 of their second-round Western Hockey League playoff series Thursday. Ashton Sautner, Henrik Samuelsson, Mads Eller, Edgars Kulda and Brett Pollock each scored for Edmonton. Tristan Jarry made just 15 saves in net for Edmonton with most of the action at the other end of the ice. Wheat Kings goalie Jordan Papirny was forced to make 40 saves. Edmonton outshot Brandon 12-3 in the firstt, 19-8 in the second and 14-4 in the third. White Customized Limited Youth Jersey. --- ROCKETS 6 THUNDERBIRDS 2 KELOWNA, B.C. -- Damon Severson scored twice as the Rockets cruised to a win in Game 1. Severson added two assists, while Madison Bowey, Rourke Chartier, Cole Linaker and Ryan Olsen also scored for Kelowna. Mathew Barzal and Alexander Delnov had a goal apiece for Seattle. Jordon Cooke finished with 23 saves in net for the Rockets. Seattles Taran Kozun meanwhile stopped 30 shots. jersyes nfl wholesale ' ' '
