Former Okotoks Oilers Forward, Rhett Gardner, is moving up in the world.

He signed a two year entry level deal with the Dallas Stars this week.

Gardner who skated with the Oilers over a couple of seasons from 2013 to 2015, just wrapped up his fourth year at the University of North Dakota.

Gardner was drafted by the Stars in 2016, but wanted to get his degree before going pro.

He's been assigned to the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League for the rest of the season.