Raiders look for more consistency

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

Rocky View Raiders head coach Payden Grant has been satisfied with his team’s recent play, and with six games left in the season, knows how crucial it will be for the team to hit their stride before Sutter Cup playoffs.
“I’m happy with how we’ve progressed throughout the year,” said the Strathmore native of the Chestermere-based minor midget triple-A team. “We have had some stumbles in the odd game, but our guys are getting better and working hard. We have some team goals as well that we feel pretty confident about in who we are as a group. I think we can do a lot of damage in the playoffs and would be disappointed if we didn’t make Sutter Cup.”
According to Grant, local players Joel Krahenbeil, Isaac Beniot, Ty Tarvyd, Tyler Strath and Kelton Travis have been showing strong leadership qualities and skill, which have made a noticeable impact on the team this season.
He added that the team has set themselves up to be successful at Sutter Cup and now it’s just a matter of fine tuning some areas including consistently dominating teams.
“As far as work ethic, I think it’s been there consistently throughout the year,” said Grant. “It’s just being mentally engaged and buying in to what we’re doing. I wouldn’t expect any less from 15-year-olds. I’ve never coached a team that hasn’t had ups and downs. As long as we’re learning from every one one of those stumbles I think we’ll be fine.”
Whether it has been through player meetings or video sessions, there has been a constant reminder to the players about giving it 100 per cent every.
The Raiders are sitting in fourth place with 40 points and a record of 15-6-10.
The Sutter South Cup will take place from March 10-13 in Lethbridge with the top two teams, plus the host team, going to the Provincial tournament. The Sutter North Cup will also send two teams.