Raiders stifled in provincial final

Tyler Lowey

Times Reporter

 

The Rocky Mountain Raiders fell one game short of completing the double championship season.
After they captured the Mac’s AAA Midget Hockey Tournament title back on New Year’s Day, the St. Albert Slash shut the Raiders out 2-0 March 19 during the Alberta Major Midget Female Hockey League provincials last weekend at the Scott Seaman Sports Rink in Okotoks.
“St. Albert was the top team in the league all year. We went 0-6 against them this season, but were in both games during provincials,” said Raiders head coach Paul Pozzi.
The Raiders outshot the Slash 36-20, but ran into a hot goalie in Camryn Drever.
“We threw everything including the kitchen sink at her, but it wasn’t enough that night,” said Pozzi.
The Raiders opened provincials with a 3-0 blanking of the Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs March 17.
That evening, they followed it up by crushing the Calgary Fire 8-1. Strathmore product Hailey McCallum picked up an assist on the game-winning goal at the 7:54 mark of the first period.
In their final round robin game, the Raiders trimmed the Slash 3-2 March 18.
McCallum finished the season with eight goals and 28 points in 32 games. Langdon product Emma Borbandy registered one goal and 10 assists in 32 games.
“Hailey has lots of skill, [she’s] a great skater and possesses an excellent shot. Hopefully we see her in a college uniform somewhere next year. Emma is one of our more solid defensemen. She is well rounded and we are looking forward to having her back next year,” said Pozzi. “They are two really great kids.”