The Lone Star Brahmas return ten skaters for the 2020-21 season, including Joey Baez, Cole Beilke, Jack Collins, Andrew DeCarlo, Mitchell Digby, Stefan Miklakos, Dylan Smith and Joey Trazzera. Brahmas media spoke to each player to learn about the abrupt end to the 2019-20 year, off-season activities and what they are looking forward to for the upcoming NAHL season.
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS — Malcolm Palmer is hungry for a shot at the Robertson Cup. After tallying ten points (1g-9a) in his shortened-rookie season with the Lone Star Brahmas, the defenseman spent the longer-offseason fine-tuning his abilities on the ice to push his team closer to the title they all crave. They say practice makes perfect, and Palmer is itching to become the leader he knows he’s able to be. Keep reading to learn more about the Westerville, Ohio native and his plans for the season ahead.
Brahmas Media: How would you describe the 2019-20 season in your own experience?
Malcolm Palmer: The season was a grind, but our overall success was really pleasing. Playing the way we did was very satisfying.
BM: What was it like when you learned the season was cancelled?
MP: It felt like a prank when it first happened. When you work that hard and achieve success, it’s hard to believe at first, but leaving the boys faster than expected was sad and not being able to play for the Robertson Cup stung. But, it gave me more motivation to work for it for this year, and I think the guys and I are on the same page about that.
BM: How have you been staying in-shape and motivated during the longer off-season?
MP: I skated and trained a couple times a day back home to stay in shape. My mentality is to ensure that I’m a good teammate, because we win and lose as a team. We want to win because it was taken from us last year. It only happens one game at a time.
BM: What is one part of your game that you’re confident in and one part you’re looking forward to working on this season?
MP: One part of my game that I’m confident in is my compete level and energy on the ice. I’ve always been pretty hungry and love a good battle. One thing I need to work on is finding ways to use my size to my advantage, since I am an undersized defenseman.
BM: What are you most excited for regarding this upcoming season?
MP: I’m excited to get back to business with the team. We want a chance at the Robbie again, and we know we can do it if we channel the energy we had last year. Also playing in front of the fans at NYTEX is second to none.
Fast facts about Malcolm Palmer:
Height: 5’9
Weight: 176
Position: Defense
Shoots: Right
Hometown: Westerville, Ohio
Favorite–
Movie: The Godfather
Ice cream flavor: Mint chocolate chip
Breakfast food: Avocado toast
Hockey player: Bobby Orr and Joey Baez
Season: Fall/hockey season
Dream job (besides hockey player): NHL Coach or General Manager
Superpower of choice: Time travel
Dream vacation destination: Italy
Hidden talent: Backflips
Best thing about living in North Richland Hills/playing at NYTEX: The fans, organization and community.
Sydney Johnson is a media and content intern with the Lone Star Brahmas.