Miami hockey

RedHawks Palmer 'on cloud nine' after signing NHL contract

Miami's Jarod Palmer (19) takes a shot on goal during the first period of a hockey tournament game Saturday, March 22, 2008, in Detroit.

AP Photo by Jerry S. Mendoza Miami's Jarod Palmer (19) takes a shot on goal during the first period of a hockey tournament game Saturday, March 22, 2008, in Detroit.

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Jarod Palmer

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By Pete Conrad, Staff Writer Updated 8:34 AM Tuesday, April 27, 2010

OXFORD — Miami University senior Jarod Palmer, one of the top undrafted players in college hockey, is headed to the NHL after all.

Palmer has signed an entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild and said he will try to secure a spot on the roster when the team holds its pro camp in September.

“I can’t believe it,” Palmer said Monday evening, April 26. “I am in shock and awe. I’m on cloud nine, man.”

Palmer will return to his home state. The 6-foot, 195-pound forward who helped lead the RedHawks to back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Frozen Four is a native of Fridley, Minn.

Palmer was the leading scorer during his senior season, with 18 goals and 27 assists for 45 points, on a team whose roster includes several players who have been selected in the NHL Amateur Entry Draft, including Tommy Wingels, Will Weber and Connor Knapp.

“I was hoping to be drafted,” Palmer said. When it didn’t happen, he said “it kinda discouraged me. I just decided to make it through college and have fun.”

It quickly became obvious, however, that Palmer was no ordinary player. And he started having plenty of fun, alright.

As a freshman he was named Miami’s most outstanding rookie and over his final three seasons never scored fewer than 30 points in a season.

“I started realizing I’m playing with these guys who are going pro,” Palmer said.

He also never missed a game in his four years as a RedHawk and holds the team record for most career games with 169. Palmer also ranks 12th on the program’s all-time scoring list with 137 points.

“I’m going to give it my best shot,” Palmer said. “I only signed a one-year contract, so I won’t have a whole lot of time.”

Palmer, the son of Charlene and Jeff Palmer, is an honor student at Miami and majors in interdisciplinary business management.

Prior to his career with the RedHawks, Palmer played in the U.S. National Team Development Program and won two silver medals at the Under-17 and Under-18 World Championships.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.

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