Year in Review: #10 Roman Kraemer
A native of Pittsburgh, Roman Kraemer’s time with the Tomahawks was limited as he was added to the lineup in December 2016 as an affiliate player.
Kraemer was a star player for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite U18 team in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League. He amassed 20 goals and 22 assists in 32 games played while chipping in 22 penalty minutes.
Additionally, Kraemer suited up for Serra Catholic in 2015-16 scoring an impressive 57 goals and 33 assists in just 19 games.
With injuries and call-ups, the Tomahawks called upon Kraemer to fill a role. He did more than that in his short six-game appearances in 2016-17.
The Tomahawks visited the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights on Dec. 10 in a crucial game before the Christmas break. It was Kraemer’s first game.
Trailing the Knights 1-0 midway through the first period, the Tomahawks were looking to respond.
After a turnover by the Knights in their own zone, defenseman Chris Trouba fired a shot on Wilkes-Barre goaltender Grant Valentine that was deflected by Kraemer. The shot found its way behind the outstretched pad of Valentine, securing Kraemer’s first NAHL goal.
Kraemer would stick around for the traditional New Year’s Eve game, notching assists in back-to-back contests with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs.
After going back to the Penguins Elite, Kraemer was recalled in late February for two games at home with the Knights. He also played in three playoff games in April.
A player for the future of the Tomahawks, Kraemer certainly made an impression during the 2016-17 season.