Darren Kramer, who played two full seasons and part of a third with the Storm, was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the sixth round (156th overall) of the 2011 entry draft held in Minnesota Friday and today.
He was at home with his family when he got the news.
“The family was watching the TV downstairs, but I couldn’t take the pressure. I went upstairs to the computer and it was a little behind so I learned I was drafted by everyone screaming downstairs, but I needed to believe it with my own eyes,” Kramer was quoted on the Spokane Chiefs’ website. “It is amazing to go to Ottawa, and to be there with our captain Jared Cowen. I’m really looking forward to joining their organization.”
The Peace River native is known for his rigorous off-ice training.
“I have been in the gym pretty consistently ever since I got back from holidays in case this opportunity presented itself,” he said. “This is a great accomplishment and all the hard work has paid off at the end of the day.”
Interestingly, Kramer goes to a team that was coached by former Storm coach Cory Clouston. Clouston coached the Senators for the last three seasons before being let go this spring.
Kramer, who turns 20 in November, was the Storm captain at the start of last season before joining the Spokane Chiefs, where he became a fan favorite, leader and the team enforcer with 40 fighting majors.
“Darren is a young man full of character who had to change his game somewhat when he got to junior,” said Storm business manager Don Moon. “At the Midget AA level in Peace River he was an offensive player, but when he got to the next level he had to adapt and become more of a physical force.”
His first year with the Storm in 2008-2009 he accumulated 220 penalty minutes and helped lead the team to the Alberta Junior Hockey League championship. In 2009-2010 he led the AJHL with 331 penalty minutes. He played 10 games with the Storm in 2010-2011 scoring four goals with one assist and 28 penalty minutes.