Back in the Eagles nest
A returning player who the Soo Eagles will be counting on in a big way for the 2016-2017 Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League season is 1997 birth-year forward Jake Palmerio.
The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Palmerio was one of the more-dependable, all-around Eagles as a first-year NOJHLer in 2015-2016.
Known for his hustle, speed and work in all four corners of the rink, Palmerio also produced 11 goals, 5 assists, 16 points in 44 regular-season games and tallied two more times in six playoff outings.
A Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario product, Palmerio seems likely to have a bigger role on the Eagles this coming season after seeing very-little special-teams duty in ’15-16.
Eagles co-coach/general manager Bruno Bragagnolo likes what Palmerio brings to the rink.
“First of all, I thought Jake had a really good year for us last year as a first-year player in the league,” Bragagnolo told HockeyNewsNorth.com. “He plays with a lot of energy, he has a good work ethic and a really-good attitude.”
Bragagnolo added that he feels Palmerio “will improve on his point totals this year.”
Meanwhile, Eagles co-coach Jim Capy has high expectations for Palmerio.
“I would expect Jake to be one of our leaders this year,” Capy told HockeyNewsNorth.com. “He was a player that didn’t take kindly to losing and those are the kind of players you want. I also expect his numbers to go up and 20 to 25 goals seem like a reachable goal for him.”
As a franchise that returned to the NOJHL as an expansion team in ’15-16 after three years in the North American Hockey League, the Eagles finished in fourth place in the West Division during the regular season and then lost to the eventual champion Soo Thunderbirds in the second round of the playoffs.
PHOTO: Forward Jake Palmerio is headed back to the Soo Eagles for a second NOJHL season.
Have a great and healthy year Jake, except against the Beavers eh ????
This is a kid who I like very much and whos a fan favorite at the Pullar. I dont know why he’s not playing for the “Zoo Birds” but I sure am glad that he is playing for the Eagles.
A great compete level is what seperates Jake Palmario from the average Player.
I have watched him play since Minor Migets with the Soo Thunder and he has always impressed with me with his hussle and desire.
Go get em Jake!!!
What an outstanding player defintely my fav hope I can get him to sign my jersey!! Can anyone hook me up
this kid is the real deal..he should be playing at a higher level so the Eagles are fortunate he decided to stay on for another year. It never gets old watching this 97 age group kid who came of a select few from Soo Ont who made it past midget and continues to play high caliber hockey!
Palmerio is a player with real heart for the game and his abilities are beyond the eagles but I love the team spirit there. Go jacob Palmerio. Proud of you