Stingy team defence, a balanced scoring attack and a sublime goaltending tandem have the Rockyview Raiders climbing the ranks.
The Raiders (8-6-2) sit third in the ultra-competitive South Division of the M-15 Alberta Minor Midget AAA Hockey League (AMMHL) just a year after finishing as also-rans at the bottom of the league.
“We struggled last year just defensively,” said Raiders head coach Doug Thurston. “We were kind of an opposite team we could score goals, but we couldn’t keep them out.
“I think this year’s team is the team that will carry you a long ways because the goaltending is so solid and we have six solid defencemen back there.”
The AMMHL features 1997-born players meaning the Raiders coaching staff brings in a completely new crop of players every season.
The 2012-13 edition of the Raiders, an Okotoks Oilers Hockey Association club based out of Chestermere, sits tied for 22nd in the 26-team league in goals for with just 39 through 16 games. Okotokian and team captain Eric Theander is the lone Raider in the top 50 in league scoring.
“Although we do create a lot of chances we just don’t finish that many and our powerplay has been only average so far this year,” Thurston said. “If we can get our powerplay to be more effective we will be a lot better off in the scoring area.”
What the team lacks in goal scoring, they more than compensate for at the other end of the ice.
Jacob Standen and Carter Seminuk have formed the league’s best partnership in goal as the duo sits in the top five in goals against average and save percentage.
“They’re both excellent goaltenders and they’re the big reason we have a winning record,” Thurston said of the tandem. “We have been outshot in some of the games we have won so that tells you where our strength is.”
Standen, who has posted a 5-2-2 mark with a miniscule 2.01 goals against average, said he enjoys playing for such a defensively responsible club.
“It’s wonderful. I never have to worry about second or third chances,” said Standen, a High River resident. “Most of the time my defencemen are really great and clear the guy in front and don’t cause a screen for me.”
The goaltending duo split starts last season with the Okotoks Bantam AA Oilers and enjoy an excellent working relationship on and off the ice.
“We really like each other as friends, we talk and hang out outside of the rink,” Standen said.
“We really play for each other because we have such a bond and that really motivates you as a goalie to play your best.”
A deep and physical corps of defencemen also helps to keep the Raiders near the bottom of the league in goals against.
The stout team defence has Rockyview third in AMMHL with a mere 39 goals allowed.
Thurston said all of his blueliners can be relied upon in any situation the team may face on the ice.
“Our defensive systems are really working for us, we’re playing semi-aggressive,” said Okotoks blueliner Mason St. Martin. “We compete hard, we get the puck out and clear any chances we get.”
For the Raiders, the best offence is a good defence.
“Defence wins games for us,” said St. Martin, an alternate captain. “We play a really solid defence to make opportunities in the offensive zone.”
The Raiders, composed largely of graduates from the Bantam AAA an AA Oilers as well as Chestermere minor hockey, employ what are new systems to many of the players meaning it takes time to adapt.
“We don’t let these guys freelance all the time, especially in our zone,” Thurston said. “There’s a certain structure that we have to use to win hockey games. That’s been a bit of a learning curve, but some of our players bought in right away.”
Creating a culture of winning is also a challenge for the Rockyview coaching staff, something that previously eluded the Bantam AAA Oiler graduates on the roster.
“Learning to win is something that has to be instilled in them,” Thurston said. “There’s certain things you can’t do in certain parts of the game, taking penalties and giving up odd-man rushes, and these guys have to learn that. I think we’re getting on board with most of that.”
St. Martin, a former member of the Bantam AAA Oilers and veteran of the 2012 Alberta Cup, can get used to the positive change in fortunes.
“It’s very depressing being on a losing team,” he said. “This is a heck of a lot better winning games. It makes a world of difference to your confidence.”
The Raiders are looking to turn their balanced play into a post-season berth.
“We want to finish as at least a top-three team in the league and then by the end of the season we’d like to win the cup,” St. Martin said. “I know we have the potential to as long as we stick together as a team.”
To keep up with the Rockyview Raiders go to www.ammhl.ca.
