On April 28th, 2021, the National Hockey League’s newest team, the Seattle Kraken, made history by signing Spokane native Kailer Yamamoto to a three-year contract. This marks the first time a Spokane native has ever been signed by an NHL team.
Kailer Yamamoto is a 21-year-old forward who was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He has played in the NHL for three seasons, most recently with the Oilers during the 2020-21 season. During his time in the NHL, Yamamoto has scored 24 goals and recorded 29 assists in 118 games.
Yamamoto is a highly-skilled player who is known for his speed and agility on the ice. He is also known for his ability to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates. His signing with the Kraken is a major milestone for Spokane hockey and a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
The Seattle Kraken is set to begin play in the 2021-22 season and Yamamoto will be an integral part of their roster. He will be joining a talented group of players that includes former NHL stars such as Jarret Stoll, Zach Parise, and Joe Thornton.
The signing of Kailer Yamamoto is a major step forward for Spokane hockey and a huge moment for the city. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of local hockey players and coaches who have worked tirelessly to help develop young talent in the area.
Yamamoto’s signing with the Kraken is a major accomplishment for Spokane hockey and a great example of what can be achieved when hard work and dedication are combined with natural talent. It is sure to inspire future generations of Spokane hockey players to strive for excellence and reach their full potential.
