Mason Raymond told the Eagle that his fondest memory of playing hockey in Cochrane was when he and his team won the Novice A1 championship in 1995.
That was 20 years ago when Raymond was an eager nine-year-old Cochranite, hoping to one day make it to the NHL.
Ten years later, he did.
Another 10 years later, bringing us to today, Raymond is not only a left-winger for his favourite team growing up, but he has also been named best local athlete in the Eagle’s Best of Cochrane 2015.
“I am humbled and honoured to be voted Cochrane’s best athlete,” Raymond said. “I am proud to be from Cochrane, a place I grew up and was raised in.”
Raymond is living out his dream playing for the Calgary Flames, and has also had stints with the Toronto Maple Leafs (2013-14) and Vancouver Canucks (first in 2007 and ending in 2013) as well.
“Obviously, growing up in Cochrane, I was a Flames’ fan and went to many games,” recalled Raymond, who first adorned a Flames’ jersey last season. “To now be able to play for the Flames and put that jersey on every day is surreal. I have always had support from my family and friends, but to have them right in the Saddledome on a nightly basis is special.”
Raymond netted 12 goals and assisted on 11 in 57 games for the Flames during the 2014/15 season.
The team went into the second round of the playoffs, beating Raymond’s former squad, the Canucks, in six games before falling to the Anaheim Ducks in five.
Raymond had two assists during the Flames’ Stanley Cup run, playing in eight of the 11 playoff games.
As for being named Cochrane’s best athlete, Raymond said he would like to thank everyone who voted for him and is grateful for their support.
