Palmerio looking to move up
He is back home after being away for the season and is looking to move up a level from major midget to junior hockey.
Jacob Palmerio, a 5-foot-9, 162-pound, 1997 birth-year forward, is hoping to earn a spot with the Jr. A Soo Thunderbirds for the 2014-2015 campaign.
Palmerio is spending this weekend at the Thunderbirds spring tryout camp.
The youngster had a productive 2013-2014 term with the Nickel City Sons of the Great North Midget Hockey League, scoring 12 goals, 10 assists, 22 points in 28 regular-season games. Palmerio’s efforts earned him a spot with Team NOHA at the OHA Cup provincial tournament that was held in March.
Having played the previous 2012-2013 season with the Soo Thunder minor midgets, Palmerio was one of several locals who had to move out-of-town in 2013-2014 after the major midget Soo North Stars went dormant.
Palmerio found living in Sudbury and playing in the GNMHL for Nickel City to his liking.
“I was a little homesick at first but I got used to it,” said Palmerio. “It was a good experience, I got to play a lot and now I feel I am ready to move up and play junior hockey.”
Known as a hard worker with a huge heart to go with good speed and a nice scoring touch, Palmerio said he’s working to extend his skating stride as he strives to further develop and move forward.
“I am training all the time. I want to get stronger and faster,” he related.
Palmerio, who said he prides himself in being a good team player, also keeps in shape in the off-season on the soccer fields.
A veteran Soo Civic player, Palmerio said soccer helps with his footwork, leg strength and cardiovascular conditioning.
A Grade 11 student at St. Basil, Palmerio has another year of high school remaining after this one. He said he would eventually like to play hockey at the National Collegiate Athletic Association level.
Meantime, Palmerio has his sights set on playing junior hockey in 2014-2015.
“I have played one season of minor midget and one season of major midget and I want to continue to move up,” said the likeable, friendly Palmerio. “I really want to play for the Thunderbirds.”
And what about a favourite National Hockey League team with the playoffs in full swing?
“Boston all the way,” Palmerio answered quickly. “My dad (John) is a huge Bruins fan and so am I.”
PHOTO: Jacob Palmerio (left) with fellow Sooite Alex Morin (right) getting ready to hit the ice at this weekend’s Soo Thunderbirds tryout camp. (Photo by Ali Pearson.)
good luck to the young man , he sounds like he’s a good one .
The kid is a good little player lots of non stop hustle. I saw him play a few times for the Sons this season – very easy to notice with his hustle and effort and as you say RR he can score to.
He is quick and he can score. He should be good junior hockey player despite his size.
He has the makings of a captian….great team player
Jacob should make a very good Jr. A player. He had a great year with our AAA Midget Nickel City Sons last year. He has a great attitude, is very fast and despite his size he is not afraid to go into the dirty areas. We wish him all the best.