Vernon's Andrew Hammond Comments On RBC-Opening Win:

Vernon's Andrew Hammond comments on RBC-opening win

Monday, May 4, 2009 - Submitted by BCHL Media

British Columbia Hockey League insider Garrett James had a chance to catch up with BCHL Goaltender of the Year Andrew Hammond after his Vernon Vipers began the RBC Cup with an impressive 4-2 win over the Summerside Western Capitals.

GJ: How did you feel about tonight's game?

AH: I thought we played a good two periods to start it off and kind of in the third let off the gas pedal a little bit. We definitely played a good 40 minutes and the second period was probably as good hockey as we've played all year.

GJ: How does it feel to be playing in the RBC Cup?

AH: It's special. There's 143 teams that start out and we're fortunate to be one of the five that are left. We couldn't ask for anything more.

GJ: How do you deal with playing in a high-profile event like the RBC Cup?

AH: I think it can only benefit you. Obviously if you play well your stock will go up and if you don't play so well it will go down, but there aren't many guys on our team who are worrying about that. We're focussed on a team first appraoch and winning the championship at the end of the day.

GJ: What were your thoughts on Summerside?

AH: I think they were a little bit surprised. I think we kind of put them on their heels a bit with that quick first goal. I think a lot of teams are surprised by our cycle game, but overall they had spurts where they were very solid. They battled back (with a pair of goals) near the end.

GJ: What do the Vipers need to work on?

AH: I think we need to play 60 minutes. You don't really know what the difference is going to be in the game and luckily for us there were two penalties that put us on the power-play at the end of the game. Otherwise, it's a two-goal game and if they get a quick one they're one goal away.

GJ: How are you feeling in net?

AH: I felt pretty good today. I didn't have too many shots but I've felt pretty good since playoffs started so I'm kind of riding out a hot streak.