1-On-1: with Kailer Yamamoto

Roadrunners Forward Kailer Yamamoto joined Jonathon Schaffer and Kim Cota-Robles on this week’s Happy Hour Show. For the complete conversation and to hear about Kailers dogs, download this week’s show HERE. 

 

What was your experience of being put on waivers like?

It was definitely interesting. That was the first time I’ve been put on waivers. Being in that position of not knowing if you’re getting picked up by a team, or if you’re going to get sent down is very nerve wracking for that whole day. Obviously, I didn’t get picked up and I got sent down. I love being down here, like I said, the guys are great, the hockey is really good and I’m just having a good time down here.

How do you take care of yourself with the hectic lifestyle that hockey brings with it?

It’s definitely tough. Obviously, if I got picked up, my life changes just like that. I’m going to a different city; I’m moving right away. But I am very fortunate to have an amazing fiancé. She takes care of me every day, cooks for me, does just about everything for me.

You grew up in Spokane. What was the youth hockey scene like there? How’d you end up here?

I didn’t really play in Spokane very much growing up. I mean, I stepped on the ice when I was 22 months old, my brother beat me by two months. But I think I played up until I was seven, and then when I was eight to 11, he traveled basically every weekend to Seattle for a travel team. Four hours there and back. So, it was tough, he logged a lot of miles. Then I went to LA for a year and played on a travel team, but I would just travel to tournaments. Obviously, I couldn’t live by myself when I was 12. And then at 13 I went to Wenatchee and then at 14 and 15 I ended up staying with the host family. Those were also the most fun years of my life.  My brother was down there too for my first year. I lived 2 blocks from the beach, did online school, and lived with my brother for a year. It was pretty fun.

Did you know any of the guys beforehand or had any past experiences with anybody? Dylan Wells follows you on Instagram.

I played with Agozzino a little bit, and then Doaner, I met him at camp. I think I met everyone just at camp this year and then kind of went from there. I actually do know Dylan. I want to say that he was drafted with me or drafted a year before me, but he was with Edmonton. I got to meet him at camp and everything like that, and then I played with him in Bakersfield. He’s a great guy.

 

Who is your road roommate, and if he was a dog, what kind of dog would he be?

My roommate is Robbie Russo. As a dog? Maybe, like a golden retriever, super nice guy.

How are you using your time in the AHL to get back into the NHL? You’ve played over 300 games in the NHL and you look like an NHL player playing in the AHL. Can you tell the difference between the pace of play?

It’s awesome. Obviously, this is still an amazing league. I have great coaches, great guys in the locker room, great teammates on the ice. I’m just trying to do the little things every day in and day out. I’m just trying to elevate my game to where when I do get called up or if I get called up, I’ll be ready for that challenge and I’ll be ready for the fight. It’s still amazing. Obviously, a little bit younger development league, but they’re still amazing players. I’m going to every game trying to be the best I can be. If I try to take one night off I’ll get humbled very fast, even in this league. I just try to go in every game to be my best, play as hard as I can.