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Tyler Palmer keeping the struggling Victoria Royals competitive
(Credit: Victoria Royals)

Tyler Palmer keeping the struggling Victoria Royals competitive

VICTORIA, British Columbia — At 4-11-3-0, the WHL’s Victoria Royals are not off to the start they envisioned this season. If there is a silver lining, however – and there are a few – it is that there is still a long way to go in the regular season, which includes a fast-approaching holiday break. Despite the club’s struggles thus far, the Royals can take solace in one of their constants: goaltender Tyler Palmer.

In 13 games this season, Palmer has earned a 3.17 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage, going 4-5-2-0 during that time. Yet, while the 18-year-old could have better numbers to his name this season, it is important to remember that the Royals are a team in transition, and Palmer’s play has been very decent under the circumstances.

Born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Palmer played the previous two seasons for the Spruce Grove Saints of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. This season, while monumental, marks a significant transition, getting his proverbial feet wet at the major-junior level.

I recently spoke with Royals head coach Dan Price about Palmer.

“Tyler is an extremely competitive goalie who combines calmness and presence in the crease with athleticism and exceptional effort,” Price noted. “He has the ability to get whistles and stoppages, and the ability to make extra saves, if necessary.”

In spite of his numbers thus far, Palmer has the right mindset and the right attitude for where he is right now. The youngster is making the best of his rookie campaign in the WHL, and that has not gone unrecognized by his coach.

“He is very focused and always well prepared,” Price emphasized of Palmer. “He is ultra-competitive and never gives up on pucks. He’s learning to adapt to the grind of the WHL schedule, including game density and travel, and he’s doing an excellent job of learning and applying those skills.”

The Royals’ net has been a crowded one, so to speak, this season.

Aside from Palmer, the net has been shared by the likes of Connor Martin, Campbell Arnold, Sebastian Wraneschitz and Logan Cunningham. However, Palmer has been the main constant between the pipes, and, especially as a rookie, he has passed with flying colours as far as establishing himself at a new level goes.

The first-year Royal has faced 459 total shots so far and has turned away 420 of them. There will be more to take in and more to learn, so do expect Palmer to gradually improve as the 2021-22 season continues.

Of the 22 WHL teams, the top 16 qualify for the playoffs. At this juncture, the Royals are on the outside looking in. However, if Palmer can remain both healthy and effective, expect the squad from British Columbia’s capital to seriously push for a playoff spot in just a few months’ time.

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