Tyler Palmer named ’23-24 U.S. Division Humanitarian of the Year
EVERETT, Wash. — Everett Silvertips goaltender Tyler Palmer has named the Western Hockey League U.S. Division Humanitarian of the Year for the 2023-24 season. He will be a finalist for the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy, which will be officially announced on Thursday, May 2.
Palmer, an ’03-born Fernie, B.C. native in his final season of junior hockey, has been an active and engaged member of the Everett community all season long. He has been quick to volunteer both his time and his own personal funds to a number of causes around Snohomish County.
The creation of the Tyler Palmer Save Drive aided the Faith Food Bank in Everett, as Tyler donated $2 of his own money for every save he recorded from Thanksgiving through the Christmas break. With 223 total saves accumulated, he personally delivered a $450 donation out of his own pocket, which was then matched by local partner Forney Financial for a $900 total donation. Faith Food Bank provides meals for underprivileged and unhoused families in the community, delivering hot meals, produce, toiletries, pet food and more as well as a recently finished pallet housing community suitable for eight families.
Tyler Palmer has dropped off his holiday Save Drive donation to the Faith Food Bank!
His $450 personal contribution will be matched by Forney Financial and directly impact underprivileged families in Everett.
🌴🌴🌴 pic.twitter.com/KmUiYvBvsZ
— x – Everett Silvertips (@WHLsilvertips) February 8, 2024
Roxana Bouroujerdi, head of the Faith Food Bank, explained that with the $900 donation, the Food Bank was able to purchase 900 pounds of hamburger meat- a rarity given the typical cost. With over 200 pick-ups per week, Palmer’s initiative provided a much needed holiday boost. Said Roxana: “It is so nice to see young men in our community do something this big to help others.” Tyler and Roxana spent the afternoon of his drop-off bagging groceries for delivery and pick-up.
Palmer also made his presence felt at Everett Youth Hockey practices, volunteering to help young players on the ice and enthusiastically interacting with the next generation of hockey players. One particular visit surprised young Bentley Garlock-Heuer, a goalie on Everett’s 10U club, on his 10th birthday. Palmer mentored Bentley and his goalie partner after practice and spent quality time with the kids, which one mom posted to Facebook, “made my little goalie’s heart sing!”
The reaction is priceless 💚
Palms and WillJamo stopped by Everett Youth Hockey as a special birthday surprise for their young goalie!#ForEverett pic.twitter.com/gAsYOLKLoH
— x – Everett Silvertips (@WHLsilvertips) December 16, 2023
Palmer was one of the ringleaders of a player visit to Providence Comprehensive Breast Center’s cancer treatment ward prior to Everett’s Pink the Rink game in October, conversing with nurses and patients alike for two hours and listening to their stories of hardship and perseverance. He also helped garner nearly $5,000 for the Navy Recruitment District Seattle Officer’s Fund during Tip-a-Tip, chatting up diners at El Paraiso Mexican Grill in Monroe and hawking raffle tickets. Palmer’s location alone brought in $2,500- far and away the top earning spot of the four restaurant locations.
Tyler Palmer has recognized need in the Everett community and gone out of his way to make a lasting impression in his final season of WHL hockey. With an outgoing personality and selfless attitude, he has proven to be a remarkable philanthropist and a pillar of the community.
This marks the second consecutive season that an Everett Silvertip has been nominated as U.S. Division Humanitarian of the Year, as forward Beau Courtney earned the award in 2022-23.
In other news…
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