WHL Spokane Chiefs

Meet the Chiefs 2015-16: #9 Keanu Yamamoto

Published on November 18, 2015 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


Spokane Chiefs Forward Keanu Yamamoto
Spokane Chiefs Forward Keanu Yamamoto
(Spokane Chiefs)

The Spokane Chiefs have had several local players in recent years, most notably Tyler Johnson and Derek Ryan from Spokane and Tanner Mort from Post Falls. They've also had siblings on the roster, including all four of the Lynch brothers in 2003.

But Keanu and Kailer Yamamoto are something special: brothers who have the opportunity to play hockey together at the highest junior level with friends and family only minutes away.

Keanu made it first, but it definitely wasn't a sure thing for him. He wasn't selected in the WHL Bantam Draft and declined the first invitation he received to attend Spokane's fall camp in 2012. He changed his mind the next year and is happy he did.

"I had a pretty good camp," he said, "but I was still a little surprised that I made it. I thought I had a chance, but I was kind of an unknown, so I really wasn't sure."

Younger brother Kailer, who was drafted by the Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft and had earned attention from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, was more established as a top prospect.

"Kailer was obviously the one on their radar," Keanu knew.

Despite that early uncertainty, Keanu had a solid start to his WHL career, with 11 goals and 14 assists. He followed that up last season with 12 goals and 17 assists and has four goals and nine assists through 21 games this year; his next game will be his 150th in the WHL.

As both play on the right wing, Keanu and Kailer rarely play on the same line these days, and while they grew up competing with each other, they're also each other's biggest fan. That is, outside of their mom and dad, LeAnn and Russ, and sister, Kyra, a Portland State University graduate.

What's it like for him to play in the city where he grew up? In a word, he says: "awesome."

"It's really cool," he continued. "My friends come to watch lots of games and it's way easier to be living with my family, getting home-cooked meals from my mom after practices and games."

Not that Keanu hasn't ever played away from home. After completing his freshman year at Mead High School, he spent two seasons with the Los Angeles Junior Kings in California before returning home to play for the Chiefs and graduate from Mead.

Now, he's ready to go wherever his hockey future takes him.

Spokane Chiefs Education Advisor Joe Everson works with all Chiefs players, from those still in high school to those pursuing a post-secondary education or preparing to do so following their WHL career. Throughout this season, Everson will profile individual Chiefs to provide insight into their lives, their preparation and their goals for the future.

Upcoming Chiefs Home Games

Inland NW Baby Diaper Drive Night presented by Amerigroup

Friday, November 20 vs. Swift Current

Itron Team Poster Giveaway and Post-Game Autograph Session

Saturday, November 21 vs. Moose Jaw

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Spokane Chiefs Forward Keanu Yamamoto
Spokane Chiefs Forward Keanu Yamamoto
   



Western Hockey League Stories from November 18, 2015


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