CSSHL

Future Giants: Damian Palmieri

 

At the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft, the Vancouver Giants selected a 6-foot, 177-pound defenseman in the fourth round out of the Delta Hockey Academy. Damian Palmieri is a 16-year-old, two-way defender with high offensive skill. In Palmieri, the Giants could have that solid top-4 defenseman that is both a tough competitor and a leader in the dressing room.

Play Style:

Damian Palmieri is a tough, big defenseman with skill. Palmieri has the ability to make that important first pass out of the zone. Once his team is in the offensive zone, he also possesses the skills to get pucks on net, and through traffic.

His former coach, Milan Dragicevic describes him as a player with “good size, good vision, and hard to play against.”. Dragicevic also describes Palmieri as a “solid two-way defenseman who will be a top-4 defenseman for the Giants.”. With Bowen Byram and Alex Kannok-Leipert leaving the organization soon, the Giants need a strong two-way defenseman like Palmieri to step up and play those tough minutes.

(Photo-Vancouver Giants)

Leadership:

When discussing Palmieri, Dragicevic raved about his incredible character and his work ethic. Dragicevic says that “Palmieri is well respected by his teammates” and describes him as one of the hardest workers out there. Milan Dragicevic has high expectations for Palmieri, and so far, Palmieri’s hard work has paid off. Dragicevic is a former Vancouver Giants coach who also played 240 games in the WHL as a defenseman. Having a coach who has gone through the WHL as both a player and a coach could be a big factor in Palmieri’s development. The WHL brings a lot of pressure, but with the coaching staff at Delta Hockey Association, Palmieri should be ready very soon.

Strengths:

Palmieri is a big kid who can protect his net well. He is not afraid to play hard and get under the opponent’s skin. The 16-year-old is also still growing and developing which means he will become stronger and more difficult for his opponents to deal with. The other big part of his game is his offensive ability. Completing that first pass out of the zone and a strong ability to read plays are assets Palmieri has developed. With no Bowen Byram, the Giants could use Palmieri as powerplay quarterback position this coming season. Palmieri’s ability to jump up in the play, along with his great shot that can get through traffic, gives him the realistic chance to make the Giants as a 16-year-old.

Weaknesses:

Palmieri’s biggest weakness is occasionally getting caught up the ice or making a bad pass. This is expected from a young player trying to impress and make the jump to junior. Sometimes making the simple play is the best option when under pressure. This is a part of Palmieri’s game he has to work on.  An area of focus should be on slowing down the game and looking for the right pass, rather than trying to force a play and ending up stuck in his own zone.

Delta Hockey Academy:

(Photo-CSSHL)

The Delta hockey academy is a great place for Palmieri to be learning. With a long list of alumni including Brendan Gallagher, Triston Jarry, Troy Stetcher, and current Vancouver Giant Justin Sourdif, this is a great organization from which to learn and grow. Delta is going to push Palmieri hard, and ensure he is ready to play in the WHL. This is an organization that knows how to prepare players for the WHL and beyond. Palmieri could be the next big-name alumni to come out of the organization.

Projection:

For Palmieri to make this team though, he needs to try and eliminate the simple mistakes. The Giants need defensemen who can move the puck quickly and accurately. Also, his size at 6-foot and ability to get under players’ skin, are valuable assets the Giants could use this season. If he continues to progress, has a great training camp, and makes the team, then the Giants may have found a steal in the fourth round.