Hammond sparks Raiders’ offense

Times Reporter 

 

After losing to the CNHA Blazers 3-1 the night before, the Rockyview Raiders prevailed against MLAC Elite Sportswear on Dec. 8 in Chesteremere, by a score of 5-1, led by Strathmore’s Kody Hammond, who scored a hat-trick.

“He had three goals on three shots,” Todd Virostek said, Raiders’ team manager. “Kody Hammond had a great game.”

Other Strathmore players contributed to the team’s victory as well; Chris Rebeyka had two assists, and Brad Hendricks helped with another. Siksika’s Trygve Many Guns scored a goal, to add to his team-leading 13 points.

“All the kids are kind of our leaders there,” Virostek said. “Trygve has great hands, big body – just a really dominant player when he wants to be.”

Rockyview was outshot 31-23 but had strong goaltending from Hunter Virostek, who has a .894 save percentage and 3.11 goals against average on the season.

“I thought it was good, the kids played really well,” Virostek said. “Our goalie played well. Our penalties all the way through are fairly consistent with everybody else. We have a tough time on the powerplay and the penalty kill; special teams we really have to work on, that’s the biggest thing.”

The Raiders scored two powerplay markers, and though suffering through 18 minutes in penalties, only had one powerplay goal scored against them. 

“Our goals against average is just over three, and our goals for is just under three. So if we can just make one more save and get one more goal, that could be all the difference. We’re really close,” Virostek said.

The Raiders will be assisting with the UFA Bison’s VIP event for kids with special needs, during the Bisons’ home game on Dec. 13.

“It’s huge for all of our players to get involved in the community and help out where they can,” Virostek said.

Rockyview plays the next night against the AC Avalanche in Chestermere.