By Jonathan Anderson
Stampeders.com

Stampeders defender Keon Raymond insists he wasn’t bothered by the snow in Friday’s contest against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

In fact, Raymond insists he has longed for the opportunity to frolic in wintry conditions and frolic he did in the Stamps’ 34-32 victory.

“I’ve always dreamed about playing in the snow,” he said. “With snow coming down, guys sliding . . . this was a fun game to play in. This was a playoff atmosphere and the way our team responded was huge.”

Not only did Raymond return an interception 100 yards for a touchdown, he added eight defensive tackles and two quarterback sacks.

“I try and go out there and make plays,” said Raymond. “If I get the chance to get the ball, that’s my first thought every time — take it to the end-zone. I know how devastating that is for the other team.”

This isn’t the first time Raymond has turned a turnover into a big and long play for the Red and White. Last season against Saskatchewan, Raymond returned an interception in Saskatchewan for a 117-yard score.

“I think tonight I was more tired, just a little bit, because it was in Calgary — the altitude is so high and the air is a little thinner,” he said.

Raymond was in need of some serious rest after the score.

With Raymond on the bench, the Stampeders defence continued to step up and forced a quick two-and-out from the Tiger-Cats.

“We had some guys step in who were ready to go,” said Raymond. “That gave me a little breather. I got some oxygen, then I was ready to step up and make plays.”

With the victory, the Stampeders have secured a 2012 home playoff date. Raymond says the team’s next challenge is to get better next week and to finish the season strong,

“Our mindset is to make sure we keep going forward,: he said. “We need to keep getting better each week. We want to make sure we’re carrying the momentum so when the playoffs come, we can make a deep run in it.”