The winningest coach in New England prep school hockey history. Gardner has been coaching at Avon Old Farms since the 1975-76 season when he took over a developing team and turned it into a perennial contender in New England prep hockey. Gardner has won eight New England Division I championships and ten Founders League championships. His 800th win as a prep coach came in November 2020. John coached multiple USA national team participants, including Brian Leetch '86 considered by many as the best American-born defenseman, and Jon Quick '05, who won two Stanley Cups as the starting goal-keeper for the L.A. Kings. John has coached 40+ players who have gone on to play professionally.