I can get about 10-12 holes in fairly thick ice with my DeWalt 20v and the 8in Finbore before she starts giving me problems. If you want something to run and gun all day, M18 Fuel is the easy choice.
I've got my Dewalt 20v on a 8in finbore and after a few holes (Depending on ice thickness) she'll start to smoke a bit. I'd definitely look into the M18 Fuel line if you wanna turn that thing all day without any issues. Early season ice however (6-8in) cuts through like butter with no problems. We're talking 12-18in where it will start to overheat.
Fatty. I remember fishing all the way up to the dam as a kid. On the other side by the 3 falls and that center section sticking out in the middle, lol. Hooking a chinook and having it spoil you was a common occurrence.
One the ice everyday by himself for 3 months and not practicing with the team makes a huge difference. He's not out of shape, he's out of form. The only thing that fixes that is game play...
Gardiner moves the puck really well, he's got a lot more pluses then minuses if you ask me. Just gotta pair him with a stay at home banger and he'll shine.