Graduate Palmieri signs with NHL's Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks have signed right wing Kyle Palmieri, who played in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) from 2007-09 as a member of the U.S. National Team Development Program, to a three-year entry-level contract.
Palmieri, 19, completed his freshman season at the University of Notre Dame (CCHA) in 2009-10, scoring nine goals for 17 points in 33 contests. He ranked tied for first in club rookie scoring and tied for 10th in CCHA rookie scoring.
The 5-foot-10, 191-pound winger was also a member of Team USA’s gold medal-winning squad at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship. Palmieri scored one goal for nine points in seven games during the tournament, ranking third on the team in scoring and second in assists.
A native of Smithtown, N.Y., Palmieri scored 15 goals for 30 points, including four game-winning goals with the U.S. Under-18 Team in 2008-09. In 2007-08, he finished second on the U.S. National Under-17 team in goals (20) and fourth in points (30).
He also participated in the 2008 Under-18 World Championship in Kazan, Russia, helping Team USA to a bronze medal with two goals for four points in seven games. At the 2008 Five Nations Tournament, he scored a hat trick to lead the U.S. to a gold medal in a 5-3 victory over Finland.
Selected by Anaheim in the first round (26th overall) of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Palmieri played for the New Jersey Devils’ Under-16 Team and St. Peter’s Prep in New Jersey, where he was named High School Player of the Month in February 2007.