Photo Credit: Judy Simpson

By Shane Clausing

Lambert reflects on season

Grande Prairie’s Lambert reflects on his first season in the WHL

Mar 27, 2020 | 1:14 PM

The 2019-2020 hockey season was one to remember for Grande Prairie’s Edge Lambert.

The 17-year-old (at the time the season began) was set to become a member of the Grande Prairie Storm for this past season, but plans changed.

Back in 2016 Lambert was selected in the seventh round by the Prince George Cougars of the WHL (Western Hockey League) in the Bantam Draft and appeared in two games for them in the 2017-18 season.

Last year Lambert spent the season with the GPAC Ernie’s Sports Midget AAA Storm where he registered 35 points in 33 games, along with serving as the captain. He would also appear in two games for the Storm of the AJHL and sign a contract with them, but Edge never got another shot in the WHL that season.

While his chances of playing in the WHL seemed to be numbered, Lambert kept working hard while playing Midget AAA.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

The scouts noticed his strong play and the Tri-City Americans invited him to their training camp last August, an invitation that was tough to turn down.

“I signed with the Storm just to see what was going to happen, but then a really good opportunity came up in Tri-City and I couldn’t resist it, so I had to go,” said Lambert. “I gave it my all and made the team and it just took off from there.”

As a rookie, Lambert had an impressive season for the Americans. He finished the 2019-20 season with 17 goals, which was second on the entire team in scoring and finished sixth on the team in points.

Lambert says he owes a lot to his teammates for his success on the ice and for helping with the transition to life in the WHL and living in the United States.

“I was a little nervous, but the guys were really welcoming, and they made me feel at home right away. It was an easy transition,” said Lambert.

While scoring in the WHL isn’t easy, confidence is a big booster for a lot of players, and Lambert says it’s what helped propel him to a solid rookie season.

“I was given lots of opportunities and I was just trying to play my game. Once I started competing, I gained some confidence and then I started believing in myself. I had some great teammates to help pass me the puck, so I was just trying to put it in the net,” said Lambert.

The Americans are coached by former Edmonton Oiler Kelly Buchberger and Assistant Coach Brian Pellerin. Lambert spoke about how coaches really helped grow his game.

“Buchburger helped out a lot, so did Brian Pellerin. I’ve worked with Pellerin after practice shooting pucks, finding different ways to receive the puck and shooting at different angles and skating position wise. The coaches were great.”

Because of Lambert’s hard work, he was able to earn Rookie of the Year honours on his team.

This past year was a rebuilding year and a learning experience for the Americans, though, as the team finished with a record of 17-40-4-2 for 40 points on the season. While the season came to an early end due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Lambert said he’s excited for his team next year.

“We’ll be ready for next year and were determined get back on track and I believe we’ll do that.”

Lambert says his main goal for the offseason is to continue to workout with his trainer and also focus on improving his power skating. He hopes to be able to head down to Edmonton to work on his power skating.