Gary Gardner has been the head coach of the Lindenwood Men's ACHA Division II ice hockey team since the fall of 2011, after serving as assistant coach the previous two seasons..

Gardner has established himself as one of the most accomplished and respected coaches in ACHA Division II hockey. His teams are defined by structure, pace, and accountability, hallmarks of a program built to compete deep into the postseason year after year. The culture build embodies the phrase used by the team #OneTeamOneFamily.

Gardner owns an all-time head coaching record of 378-102-19, highlighted by 13 National Tournament appearances, six Final Four runs, two trips to the National Championship game, and a National Championship title. Under his leadership, the Lions have also produced four, 30+ win seasons, setting a consistent standard of excellence at the national level.

His success has been recognized across the league, earning 2018 ACHA DII All-Tournament Coach honors and being named the 2018–19 ACHA DII Central Regional Coach of the Year. Gardner’s reputation for player development and program leadership extended beyond his own bench in 2026, when he was selected as an ACHA DII Selects Assistant Coach, representing the division at the national level.

Prior to his coaching career, Gardner was a four-year member of the Lindenwood Lions ACHA Division I squad, where he played a pivotal role in each of the program’s first three national tournament appearances. A reliable and durable presence throughout his collegiate career, he held the program’s career record for games played at the time of his graduation, an early reflection of the commitment and consistency that now define his coaching philosophy.

Gardner continues to be a driving force within the American Collegiate Hockey Association, combining championship experience with a player-first approach that emphasizes preparation, culture, and long-term success.



Feb 2026