Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Mead’s Yamamoto joins brother on Chiefs’ roster

Chiefs fans will officially welcome the team’s eight rookies to Spokane during tonight’s home opener.

One of the rookies, Kailer Yamamoto, won’t require an introduction to the city.

Yamamoto, a Spokane native and Mead High sophomore, made the Chiefs’ roster despite still being two days shy of his 16th birthday. He joins his 18-year-old brother Keanu among the team’s 15 forwards.

Kailer reflected on his new Western Hockey League life on Thursday, eager to join his brother at the Arena for the home opener against the Tri-City Americans.

“I wasn’t expecting to come straight from (the Los Angeles Jr. Kings) to here,” Kailer said. “I think it was just hard work and sticking with it. I’ve always played up with my brother, so I think that helped a little bit, too.”

The Yamamotos didn’t play on the same line during Spokane’s opener last weekend in Kennewick, but they shared the ice during a 4-on-4 play.

“Since I’ve played hockey with (Keanu) pretty much my whole life, I think I know what he’s going to do most of the time,” Kailer said. “I think we’re similar players since we’re both small and shifty with good skill.”

Both brothers played in Los Angeles two years ago. Last year, Keanu had 11 goals and 14 assists during his rookie season with the Chiefs while Kailer totaled 17 goals and 23 assists with the Jr. Kings.

“It wasn’t too bad (in Los Angeles),” Kailer said. “The first year was a lot easier because my brother was down there, too. He got me used to it. And the billet family was really nice down there.”

Keanu graduated from Mead High last year. Kailer just entered his sophomore year at Mead, putting him around his old friends for the first time since he attended Northwood Middle School as a seventh-grader.

Mead administrators surprised Kailer on Thursday by urging students to attend tonight’s opener and see their fellow Panther in action.

The Yamamotos’ parents, Russ and LeAnn, and grandparents are prepared to cheer on the boys for the big night.

“Growing up, it was awesome to go to (Chiefs) games,” Kailer said. “It’s like a dream come true to play for them now.”

The Chiefs (1-0-0-0) are opening at home against Tri-City (2-1-0-0) for the 10th consecutive season. Spokane has won the past six.

“The team’s really good this year and we can only get better,” Kailer said. “I think (Adam) Helewka will have a breakout season, but other than that I think (the offense) will be pretty even. The young guys, like the rookies, are really good.”

Tri-City entered the weekend with the league’s top-ranked power play at 37.5 percent. Spokane defeated Tri-City 4-2 in last Saturday’s season opener in Kennewick, but the Americans played without their top goalie, Eric Comrie, who has returned from Winnipeg Jets camp.

Comrie has something in common with the Yamamotos. His brother, Ty, also plays with the Americans.