A packed Art Hauser Centre watches the play as the Prince Albert Raiders take down the Medicine Hat Tigers in Game 5 of the WHL's Eastern Conference Finals in Prince Albert on May 1, 2026. (Image Credit: Logan Lehmann/paNOW Staff)

By Logan Lehmann

Guiding the youth

Raiders playoff run inspiring the next generation of stars

May 2, 2026 | 12:00 PM

Youth hockey players in Prince Albert are feeling inspired by the Raiders and their success this season.

The club is deep into their Western Hockey League (WHL) playoff run, currently sitting on a 3-2 series lead over the Medicine Hat Tigers after taking Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals 6-3 at the Art Hauser Centre on Friday.

TOOK THE SERIES LEAD BACK😤 pic.twitter.com/sOS4ZQ9DlF

— x – Prince Albert Raiders (@PARaidersHockey) May 2, 2026

Prior to puck drop, paNOW caught up with some youth players in the city, where one boy said he wants nothing more than to wear the Green and Gold when he’s older.

“That would be awesome,” he said with a smile.

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Owen Corkish potted his first career hat-trick in the win, while Alisher Sarkenov, Ben Harvey, and Brayden Dube also found the back of the net. Justice Christensen and Brock Cripps each had two assists, and Dube, Daxon Rudolph, Maddix McCagherty, Aiden Oiring, and Jonah Sivertson each had one.

Speaking to his favourite Raider, another boy explained his reason why Sarkenov is his number one.

“Sharks are my favourite animal. His name kind of sounds like that.”

There has been an early Sark attack in game five! pic.twitter.com/yWjytGe9w0

— x – Prince Albert Raiders (@PARaidersHockey) May 2, 2026

Meanwhile, an older youth player mentioned how watching the team over the years helped grow his passion for the game, adding their run this year is only fueling those feelings.

“They’ve always been the reason why I love hockey,” he said.

The Raiders continue their playoff run on Sunday in Medicine Hat for Game 6 at 6 p.m.

—

loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

by Logan Lehmann

Raiders playoff run inspiring the next generation of stars

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