Larry Brunt photo

Small but extremely gifted, Kailer Yamamoto will be the next small forward success story not only in Edmonton but in the NHL. Yamamoto was picked up at #22 at the NHL Draft.

Kailer Yamamoto - Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Position: RW
Born: September 29, 1998 – Spokane, Washington, United States
Height: 5’8"
Weight: 159 lbs.
Shoots: Right
Drafted: 2013 WHL Draft – Round #5 (105h overall) by Spokane Chiefs
Perhaps, the best playmaker in the draft, undersized Yamamoto is an ultra-skilled winger who can make plays develop out of nothing and always knows where his linemates are. A true spark plug who can change the course of the game by creating a big play or scoring the big goal using his high hockey IQ and creativity on the ice. Will leave it all on the ice and leave his mark in all three zones with great work ethic. A real speedster with a low centre of gravity that enables him to turn quickly. Shows great acceleration with a quick first step and not afraid to skate to the greasy areas. Has tremendous hands and is a great stickhandler especially around the net and in tight spaces. Very quick to jump on loose pucks and will take a hit. He enters his third season in the dub and brings experience to a young Spokane team.

DID YOU KNOW? Yamamoto has already played two full seasons in the WHL, registering 128 points in 125 games, entering his draft year. He has represented the USA at the U17, U18 and the Hlinka tournaments, and produced above a point per game in international play. He also plays alongside older brother Keanu who is an overage centre on the Chiefs.