Tyler Palmer of Fernie, B.C. has been drafted by the Spokane Chiefs, marking the second time in almost 25 years that a Fernie local has been selected by a Western Hockey League (WHL) team.
Palmer was selected in the 10th round of the bantam draft on Thursday, May 3. To date, there have only been four players in the history of the WHL to be drafted from Fernie.
The soon-to-be 15-year-old says he’s honoured and excited to attend camp in Spokane, WA., this summer.
The 5’9 goaltender grew up playing hockey in Fernie until he moved with his family to Lethbridge, Alberta, two years ago. He has fond memories of winning provincials during his second year with the Fernie Peewee Ghostriders. Palmer’s last season was with the Lethbridge Golden Hawks, Bantam Triple A (BAAA).
Palmer considers this past season his best yet, during which he was drafted for the Chiefs as well as selected for team Alberta. Looking down the road, he has big plans.
“The WHL is a big stepping stone but the NHL is the big dream for me,” he said.
Palmer will head to camp August 22-26 for his first taste of the WHL. The goaltender is currently 14, turning 15 next month. The earliest he could play in the WHL is at the age of 16.
After camp in August, Palmer will return to play at the Northern Alberta Extreme Academy in Edmonton, AB. After one year there, Spokane will re-evaluate his skills and see how he has progressed.
