Vernon Vipers' goalie Andrew Hammond has accepted a NCAA Division 1 scholarship to Bowling Green University in Ohio.
This season Hammond led the BCHL with a goals against average of 2.30. He also led all BCHL goalies with the most shutouts, capping off the season with five.
“He was a 20-year-old that came in and was everything we expected and more,” said Vipers' head coach Mark Ferner. “He has the ability to win games every night.”
“I think he'll do very well, he has great positioning and doesn't have to make big stops but has the ability to make big stops. He gets in the way and knocks down pucks and has great rebound control,” said Ferner of the quiet, low key 6'1″ 195 lb netminder. “He flew under the radar and is one of the most underrated goaltenders in our league.”
Hammond was selected this year to play in the 2009 BCHL All-Star game. He was also named the BCHL's top goaltender for putting up the lowest goals against average in the league, playing just under 2500 minutes during the regular season.
After playing a regular season that led the Vipers to a bye into the second round of playoffs, Hammond was also named the Vipers' 2008/2009 season MVP.
