Jennifer Gardiner has spent her rookie PWHL season proving she's one of Canada's top forwards. Not only has she done just that, but she's also found a unique on-ice chemistry with Marie-Philip Poulin. It could be enough to earn Gardiner an extended look with Team Canada.

Jennifer Gardiner was the final cut from Team Canada prior to the 2024 World Championships in Utica, New York. She travelled with the team practicing in the days leading up to the tournament for Canada's brief training camp. Ultimately, she didn't travel to Utica or earn a spot with Canada.

Heading into the second half of the PWHL season however, there are few Canadian players in the league who have made their case for a spot not only on Team Canada, but perhaps high in Canada's lineup, than Gardiner.

Strong on her feet, Gardiner sees the ice well, and has perhaps as importantly as her own skill set, has found unique chemistry alongside Marie-Philip Poulin. Typically, the best player on the planet elevates those around them, which Poulin does without fail. In this situation however, Gardiner has provided a unique reciprocation.

It speaks to Gardiner's IQ and vision as Poulin is often seeing the game steps ahead of any other player on the planet, but Gardiner has not only been finding Poulin, but reading the Team Canada captain's style and movements and getting herself into positions to take pressure from Poulin, and to open herself for scoring opportunities.

Gardiner finished her NCAA career last season captaining the Ohio State Buckeyes to a national championship while being named a Second Team All-American and a Patty Kazmaier Award finalist. In her final two seasons in the NCAA, Gardiner's offense blossomed as she scored 102 points in 80 games. It was enough to see the 23 year old picked 11th overall in the second round of the 2024 PWHL Draft by Montreal.

Named to the Rivalry Series roster for February, it will be interesting to see if Canada coach Troy Ryan rides the ingrained chemistry coming from the Montreal Victoire and gives Jennifer Gardiner a shot on Canada's top line alongside Marie-Philip Poulin. She's certainly earned that opportunity.