by Greg Gangle, WEG Communications

Campbellville, ON — Jake Gardiner, star defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs, will be the special celebrity drawmaster for this year’s C$1 million Pepsi North America Cup.

Gardiner, 22, will be on hand to assist with the noon media event to draw post positions, set for Tuesday (June 11) at Mohawk.

The Pepsi N.A. Cup will take place Saturday (June 15) at the Campbellville track.

Gardiner was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League in the first round, 17th overall, in 2008.

On February 9, 2011, Gardiner, along with Joffrey Lupul, were traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs and at the end of the 2011-12 season, Gardiner was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team after scoring 30 points in 75 games with the Leafs.

On May 6, 2013, Gardiner became the first Toronto Maple Leaf to score a home playoff goal since Mats Sundin did in 2004, a span of nine years and two days.

Fans can connect with the star defenseman via twitter at @JGardiner272.

The Pepsi North America Cup is the richest race for pacers in North America.