Raiders staff up for several WHL awards

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(Image Credit: @TheWHL/X)

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Meanwhile, Hunt is being recognized for building the team that McDonald is leading. 

The longtime Raiders general manager is in the running for the Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy as the WHL Executive of the Year, and will be going up against Desjardins (Medicine Hat Tigers), Harbinson (Penticton Vees), Garry Davidson (Calgary Hitmen), Mike Fraser (Everett Silvertips), and Bruce Hamilton (Kelowna Rockets). 

The Raiders had 12 of their own draft picks suit up this season, along with three of their picks from the CHL Import Draft, including players like 2023-pick Daxon Rudolph, 2021-pick Max Hiese, and 2024 import picks Michal Orsulak, Matyas Man, and Alisher Sarkenov. Additionally, Hunt bolstered the team with depth and star-talent through a number of trades this season, acquiring players like Maddix McCagherty, Brandon Gorzynski, and Braeden Cootes. 

Hunt previously won the award back in 2019, when he built the team that won Prince Albert’s second WHL Championship. 

(Image Credit: @TheWHL/X)

The league is also recognizing the club as a whole and has since named the Raiders as the Eastern Conference finalist for the WHL Business Award. The Raiders are going up against the Portland Winterhawks for the honour, as they were named the Western Conference finalist. 

“As a community-owned organization, the Raiders deepened local ties through expanded partnerships with minor hockey and increased charitable contributions, donating $85,000 to community initiatives,” read a release from the WHL.  

“The Raiders also delivered significant growth across digital platforms, ranking among WHL leaders in app engagement, website traffic, and social media performance, despite operating in a small market. Attendance also saw notable gains. By prioritizing innovation, strategic partnerships, and league-wide collaboration, the Raiders strengthened their brand, enhanced fan engagement, and drove measurable business growth throughout 2025-26.” 

The last time P.A. won the Business Award was back in 2007, when the late Bruce Vance and his staff won the previously named WHL Marketing Award. 

(Image Credit: @TheWHL/X)

The winners, as well as the rest of the leagues’ award winners, will be announced beginning Tuesday, April 21, through Wednesday, May 6. 

-with files from Prince Albert Raiders and Western Hockey League

— 

loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com