Successful playoffs

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The Rocky Mountain Raiders female bantam triple-A team is off to the league final after beating the Calgary Outlaws on March 22 for the South Division title in the series clinching third game.
Three local Wheatland players, goaltender Erin Fargey and defensemen Karissa Hammond and Emma Borbandy, are making an impact this post season for Jordan Fenton’s squad.
“They’re all playing well and being key contributors,” said Fenton. “Fargey has played goal for us for all five of our playoff games and played very well for us and that’s given us the best opportunity we can to win in every game, even though we drop the one game.”
He has praised Hammond and Borbandy for their strong defensive play in helping their goaltender out.
“Borbandy is one of our top defensemen that is one of our top players and she brings a focus and a determination with her to the rink every time she comes,” said Fenton. “She has had a very good playoff season and one of the key components along with Karissa Hammond that we depend on, on our backend.”
He has liked the way that both of his defensemen have been able to adapt to both sides of the puck.
“They’ve both been really key (on the) defensive side of the game, but all of our offense has started with good first passes and breaking out of our own zone and going with speed through the neutral zone, taking the puck to the net,” said Fenton.
“Both have been directing pucks towards the net and have really helped us out in the offensive zone.”
He admits that the girls have found their stride in the postseason.
“I think the girls found a different gear it seems like in the playoffs and they’ve stepped their game up playing a strong puck possession game, and for the most part, have matched their opponents very well and work extremely hard,” said Fenton.
The Raiders will take on the Edmonton Lightning in the final and Fenton figures it will be a close match-up.
“It should be a really good competitive series with Edmonton. We match up well against them and if we continue to play a real strong team game, we should have a good chance at winning the title again,” said Fenton.
The series begins in Cochrane (6:45 p.m.) on March 27, then goes to Edmonton March 28 (5:15 p.m.) and, if necessary, on March 29 back in Cochrane (5:30 p.m.).