James Palmer is in his sixth season on the Forester coaching staff and has helped lead Lake Forest to a 68-46-19 record during his time on staff. He works primarily with the team’s defensive players and goaltenders.

Lake Forest has ranked among the top 25 in the country in scoring defense each of Palmer’s first five seasons with the team and the 2009-10 squad was listed 13th with a program record 1.92 goals allowed per contest. Under his direction, four Forester defensive players have earned All-Northern Collegiate Hockey Association honors a combined six times. In addition, Courtney Bean was the program’s first All-American defenseman in 2009-10.

Palmer’s coaching experience began at age 13 when he volunteered to help out with youth teams, something he continued to do throughout high school. He has also served as an instructor and counselor at numerous hockey camps.

Palmer began playing hockey at age four and, as a goaltender in high school, he earned Second Team All-State honors and his team reached the Final Four of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Tournament. He walked on at NCAA Division I Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and received the program’s Henry Krumpf Award.