Turning Point Client Darren Kramer Signs With Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League

Darren Kramer, 20, from Peace River, Alberta has agreed to terms with the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League. Kramer played the last two seasons with the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League, scoring 29goals and adding 25 assists with a +20 ranking, and a whopping 506 penalty minutes. Kramer set a WHL record of 47 major penalties during the 2010-11 season, after being called up from the Grand Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior League. Kramer could do more than fight though, as he showed in his first post-season action for the Chiefs where he scored 5 goals (including an overtime winner) in the playoffs and added 3 assists as the Chiefs had a deep playoff run.

Kramer who can play either wing, was named captain of the Chiefs for the 2011-12 season. Kramer has worked hard to add different dimensions to his game in order to become a more complete player. Following the 2010-11 season Kramer was drafted in the sixth round, 156th overall by the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League. Kramer became the first player ever drafted into the NHL from his hometown of Peace River, Alberta. “Darren is a unique individual who has creative interests off the ice that compliment his on ice persona,” said Turning Point Executive Director Carlos Sosa. “I remember the first time I saw him play when Spokane was in Everett and his energy was infectious and he brought me out of my seat in the bout that he had that evening. I immediately called both Darcy Tucker and Jay Walker and told them that I thought this guy was going to play.” Tucker was also impressed with Kramer during the time that he spent with Darren while Kramer was at his first NHL camp in Ottawa. “Kramer was very confident and poised off the ice and played with enthusiasm and passion on the ice – something that I value in a player and many teams do as well.”

It has already been well documented that Kramer has a patent pending on his half-open peanut butter jar concept. The inventive entrepreneur has plans for business ventures as he progresses throughout his professional hockey career and for when that time comes to an end. Speaking with Darren Tuesday evening he said “I want to thank my parents, my family, my friends, the Grand Prairie Storm, the Spokane Chiefs, and Turning Point!”

Kramer decided to sign his contract in the classroom of his favorite grade school teacher in Peace River at Good Shepherd Elementary (see photograph). Never following the conventional approach, Kramer wanted to give back to his old school, his hometown, and an educator whom he admired along the way.

Kramer signed a three year Entry Level National Hockey League contract with a considerable signing bonus – something that will help him with capital investment for the many business ventures he hopes to pursue. Kramer will leave for Ottawa in the third week of June to begin power skating and then follow it up with participation at the Ottawa Senators Development Camp. He will continue with a busy summer as he prepares for the Senators Training camp in the army fall.

Turning Point congratulates Darren Kramer on signing his first National Hockey League contract and knows that the best is yet to be!