Fernie native and Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) goalie Tyler Palmer, 18, has signed with the Victoria Royals of the Western Hockey League (WHL).
Palmer, who’s played hockey since he was four-years-old, said he’s excited to join the Royals.
“It’s a great organization over there and couldn’t be more happy to be playing with them next year,” he said.
In the 2020-2021 season Palmer played for the Spruce Grove Saints and was named one of the top goaltenders for the season.
Back in 2018 Palmer was drafted by the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL bantam draft before ending up with the Royals this year.
“I was dropped from that team and Victoria instantly picked me up just this winter and we started talking and it led to this,” said Palmer.
For his hockey career Palmer said this is important for his advancement in the sport.
“It’s a big step for me, being able to get out there and get seen, to potentially be scouted by NHL teams for the draft next year,” he said.
As for joining a new team, Palmer said he’s
“Obviously having a whole new team is a little bit nerve wracking, but I think they’re all good over there,” said Palmer.
“One guy over there is an old teammate, so I do know one of them.”
Palmer said his first time on the ice with the team will be September 1 when their camp starts.
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jasper.myers@thefreepress.ca
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