Introducing the Raiders for 2026-27

Not all teams have their full rosters updated yet, but the Raiders are poised to be a much younger team this season.

According to Elite Prospects, the Raiders will start the season with an average age of 17.92 years old. Last year’s youngest team in the WHL, the Calgary Hitmen, had an average age of 18.29 years-old.

Forwards:

#11 Cash Lanigan, 2009 born (17-year-old season)

Joining the team as the reigning SJHL rookie of the year, Lanigan is playing his first season with the Raiders. He sat second by one point in the SJHL’s rookie scoring race last year with 19G-29A-48P in 55 games. He also helped his Yorkton Terriers to their first SJHL final since 2014.

Last year, Lanigan finished the regular season on a hot streak with a seven game point streak that was snapped in the final game of the year. That works out to 6G-6A-12P in the final eight games of the year, and then added another nine points in 17 playoff games.

Lanigan is a former Regina Pat Canadian in Saskatchewan AAA where he won a league and Telus Cup national championship alongside fellow Raider Jonah Sivertson in 2024-25. Lanigan was originally drafted to the WHL in the fourth round of 2023 by the Portland Winterhawks.

#15 Kyle Obobaifo, 2009 born (17-year-old season)

Originally drafted by the Raiders in the third round of 2024, Kyle Obobaifo scored his first assist with the Raiders last year during a five game call up, and nearly scored the Teddy Bear Toss goal last season.

The Calgary native won an AEHL championship with the Calgary NW Flames two seasons ago and was one game away from heading to the Telus Cup national championships. Last year, Obobaifo posted 17G-32A-49P in 32 games last year as the Flames pushed for a repeat championship, but were surprised in the semi finals.

Kyle is the youngest of three brothers to play hockey. His middle brother Aaron is heading into his 20-year-old season with the Edmonton Oil Kings, and his oldest brother Charles, 24, played with the Kindersley Klippers of the SJHL in 2021-22 before spending the last four years in NCAA Div. III, most recently with Misericordia University.

#17 Maddix McCagherty, 2006 born (20-year-old season)

One of the returning just two returning 20-year-olds, Maddix McCagherty looks poised to have a huge season after an impression during the preseason. From Kelowna, McCagherty was acquired last year near the trade deadline from the Wenatchee Wild in exchange for a sixth round pick.

Posting 20G-37A-57P in 66 games last year, McCagherty’s production last year jumped up from 0.68 points per game with Wenatchee up to 0.95 points per game with the Raiders.

This is McCagherty’s fourth full season in the WHL, although he’s made appearances in the league as far back as six years ago. His junior hockey journey has included stops in Wenatchee and Swift Current in the WHL, along with the Kelowna Chiefs of the KIJHL and the Merritt Centennials of the BCHL.

#18 Carter Kingerski, 2008 born (18-year-old season)

Acquired this week by the Raiders in a trade with the Tri-City Americans, Kingerski played 45 games last year and contributed 3G-7A-10P as a 16-year-old. Before that, Kingerski played his 15-year-old season in the MJHL mostly with the Winnipeg Freeze where he posted 12G-18A-30P in 46 games, along with another three scoreless games with the Niverville Nighthawks.

In his last year of U15 AAA, the Headingley, Manitoba native led the league in scoring with 545G-53A-107P, a full 16 points ahead of teammate Cody Farrell in second. Along with the points and goal scoring titles, he was also named the league’s MVP and Impact Player of the Year.

Kingerski was originally drafted by the Americans in 2023 during the second round.

#19 Malaki Martin, 2008 born (18-year-old season)

The second of three former Regina Pat Canadians on the Raiders squad this year, Malaki Martin joined the Pat Cs the year after their Telus Cup championship year. In his debut year of Saskatchewan AAA, Martin scored 37G-41A-78P to sit second in both points and goals, and helped the Pat Cs to a second straight provincial championship, and a bronze at the Telus Cup National championship.

Martin also made his WHL debut with the Raiders where he was called up for two games in December, and he picked up an assist on the game winning goal in his debut against the Swift Current Broncos.

Martin was elligible for the 2023 WHL draft, but was passed over by every team. He signed with the Raiders last season before his callup.

#20 Ben Harvey, 2009 born (17-year-old season)

After winning gold at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup just over a month ago on his birthday, expect a big year ahead for the Edmonton native Harvey. Last year as a 16-year-old, Harvey played 45 games for the Raiders with 14G-13A-27P.

Part of the time Harvey missed last season was while he was a part of Team Canada White at the U17 World Championships where he earned silver. During the preseason, Harvey’s five points in three games put him second in team scoring.

Before being drafted by the Raiders, Harvey won two straight CSSHL U15 Championships with the North Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep team, and lead the team in scoring in his final season and finishing fifth in the league scoring race.

#21 Evan Smith, 2006 born (20-year-old season)

The second returning 20-year-old for the Raiders, Evan Smith was acquired by the Raiders in the 2024-25 season in a trace with Red Deer for Cole Peardon. Last year, Smith posted 11G-24A-35P in the full 68 game season. Smith is the only returning centreman for the Raiders from last year.

Originally from Kamloops, B.C., this is Smith’s fourth full season in the WHL after being drafted by Red Deer in the fifth round. As a 19-year-old, Smith’s 35 points with the Raiders over doubled his point production from the previous two years combined, all while being one of the most effective defensive forwards the Raiders had.

Once Smith’s WHL career is over, he has committed to playing NCAA Div. I hockey with the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

#22 Connor Howe, 2009 born (17-year-old season)

From the Mintos to the Raiders, the Prince Albert local is ready for another year of entertaining hockey fans in the Art Hauser Centre. Howe played in 53 games during his WHL debut season last year with 5G-12A-17P.

Howe got better as the year went on, scoring five of his 17 points in the final 12 games of the year and looks poised for a big year offensively after the pre-season. However, Howe really made a statement with two fights last year, including one in his first playoff game where he gave up eight inches of reach advantage and still battered Red Deer’s Cameron Dillard.

Howe is the younger brother of Tanner Howe, who is getting ready for his first main camp with the Pittsburgh Penguins after missing last year with an injury.

#23 Riley Boychuk, 2008 born (18-year-old season)

From Cochrane, Alberta, Riley Boychuk is coming back to the Raiders after a rookie camp tryout with the Calgary Flames. A former AEHL U15 AAA champion and league MVP, Boychuk is coming into his third season with the Raiders.

Last year, Boychuk started the season with a 13 game point streak where he put up 2G-14A-16P, one of the longest point streaks in the league. In total, Boychuk posted 15G-44A-59P, good for second in scoring among returning Raiders.

Boychuk was drafted by the Raiders second overall in 2023 behind Daxon Rudolph.

#24 Alisher Sarkenov, 2007 born (19-year-old season)

He’s here on time this year. The first ever Kazakhstan born Raider Alisher Sarkenov has had the opportunity to join the Raiders during the preseason festivities, and is ready to spend the full season with the team after visa issues made him arrive late.

In his first year in the WHL, Sarkenov played 47 games and earned 21G-20A-41P. He also spent time with his home country’s team in the World Juniors Div. 1 tournament, where he scored nine points in five games to help Kazakhstan keep their Div. 1 status.

Sarkenov was the 107th overall pick by the Raiders during the second round of the 2025 CHL Import Draft. He’s also a former U16 Kazakhstan champion, and is committed to Western Michigan University in NCAA Div. I at the conclusion of his WHL career.

#25 Athens Shingoose, 2010 born (16-year-old season)

The lone 16-year-old draft pick cracking into the Raiders lineup this year, the ‘Wizard from Waywayseecapo’ Athens Shingoose has arrived. Listed at only 5’8, 152 lbs, Shingoose should remind Raiders fans of one of last year’s leaders in Aiden Oiring: smaller in size, but relentless on the puck with a great shot and setup ability.

Shingoose lead Team Canada’s U17 development camp in scoring over the summer. Before that, he played with the RINK Hockey Academy Winnipeg last year in the CSSHL where, as a 15-year-old, he posted 15G-16A-31P.

The Raiders drafted Shingoose 16th overall in the 2025 draft.

#26 Carsyn Dyck, 2006 born (20-year-old season)

The newcomer 20-year-old, Carsyn Dyck was released by the Portland Winterhawks during the offseason after missing half of last year with an upper body injury, but now looks poised to make a big difference with the Raiders this year. This is the Warman native’s third full year in the WHL, and fourth year in junior after starting his career with the Estevan Bruins back in 2023-24.

Dyck was injured in late October last year, but made his return in early January and helped the Winterhawks into a playoff spot. In total, Dyck posted 6G-8A-14P in 36 games last season.

Carsyn’s father Ryan won a SJHL championship with the Melfort Mustangs in 1995-96, and his cousin Cooper Sawatzky will play this season with the Prince Albert Mintos. Carsyn was originally drafted by the Portland Winterhawks in the sixth round of the 2021 draft.

#28 Jonah Sivertson, 2008 born (18-year-old season)

Fresh off being drafted in the fourth round of this summer’s NHL Entry Draft, Jonah Sivertson will start this year at camp with the Vegas Golden Knights. Last year, Sivertson scored 24G-29A-53P in 66 games with the Raiders.

The year prior, Sivertson started the year with the Raiders before being sent down to the Regina Pat Canadians. There, playing with Maddox Schultz, Sivertson found his game again, led all of Saskatchewan AAA in scoring, and helped lead the Pat Canadians to both provincial and Telus Cup national championships in the same season.

Sivertson is committed to St. Cloud State University for the conclusion of his WHL career. Originally, Sivertson was drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2023 draft.

#29 Brandon Gorzynski, 2007 born (19-year-old season)

Finishing tied for second in scoring last year, Brandon Gorzynski will be the Raiders leading scorer returning from last year when he comes back from camp with the Dallas Stars. Taken in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, this will be the fourth full season in the WHL for the Scottsdale, Arizona product.

The Raiders acquired Gorzynski from the Calgary Hitmen ahead of the trade deadline last year in a package that included two picks and Ty Meunier (who has since been traded to Swift Current). Gorzynski was hurt during the semi-finals last year against Medicine Hat and missed a few games, but scored in his lone game back against the Everett Silvertips.

Gorzynski was committed to playing with his hometown Arizona State University this year, but returned to the Raiders near the end of the offseason. Gorzynski was a 15th overall pick by the Calgary Hitmen in 2022.

#32 Owen Corkish, 2007 born (19-year-old season)

Last year’s surprise out of camp, Owen Corkish is back for his second season in the WHL. In his debut last year, Corkish was one of the most versatile players that could play with anyone on the team and earned 12G-20A-32P in 68 games.

Before becoming a Raider, Corkish played in his hometown of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, where he was coached by his father, who is originally from southeast Saskatchewan. As a result, you’ll often see Corkish jerseys in Regina and Moose Jaw when the Raiders are around.

Corkish was never drafted in the WHL, and made the team as an invite to camp last year. He’s also committed to the University of St. Thomas in NCAA Div. I after his WHL career.

Defence:

#2 Liam Myhre, 2009 born (17-year-old season)

A name Raider fans have been familiar with for two years, the Nipawin product is ready to become a full time member of the Raiders after making his debut with the team two years ago. Myhre was the captain of the Prince Albert Mintos last year, and finished tied for second in team scoring with 16G-20A-36P.

Myhre made his debut with the Raiders two years ago as a 15-year-old where he was called up for three games, and was called up for one more game last year. Already in the pre-season this year, his lethal shot from the blueline has been on display.

Drafted by the Raiders in the third round of the 2024 draft, Myhre was also billet brothers with Connor Howe when the two played together on the Mintos.

#3 Darius Hordal, 2008 born (18-year-old season)

From Edmonton, Alberta, Darius Hordal comes to the Raiders out of the AJHL’s Devon Xtreme. In his first year at the junior A level last year, he scored 4G-24A-28P in 53 games.

Previously, Hordal has won a U15 CSSHL Championship in 2022-23 alongside Ben Harvey and Daxon Rudolph.

Hordal was drafted by the Raiders in the eighth round of the 2023 draft.

#5 Kade Corbet, 2009 born (17-year-old season)

With two big hits right away at the start of Raiders camp, Kade Corbet made an impression with the Raiders faithful almost immediately. Last year, Corbet played with the Calgary NW Flames alongside Kyle Obobaifo, where Corbet contributed 1G-21A-22P.

The year prior, Corbet played with Calgary’s U17 AAA NW Flames and won a championship, while also playing four games with the U18 AAA program that won a championship the same season. Corbet also has one game of junior A experience with the Canmore Eagles.

Corbet was drafted in the seventh round by the Raiders in the 2024 draft. His father René is a Stanley Cup Champion with the Colorado Avalanche in 1995-96, his brother Matt is a former AJHL player playing USports with the University of Calgary, and his brother Nate is playing his 20-year-old season with the Kelowna Rockets.

#6 Benett Kelly, 2008 born (18-year-old season)

Originally from Cochrane, Alberta, the dual citizen Benett Kelly is returning to the Raiders after a rookie tryout with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In his rookie year in the WHL last season, he suited up for 66 games, and added 5G-19A-24P.

Before establishing himself as a stalwart defender in the WHL, Kelly played his 16-year-old season in the CSSHL prep school league with the Calgary IHA, but played AAA with a few different teams. In 2022-23, his 14-year-old year, Kelly won a U15 AEHL Championship with the Airdrie Xtreme.

Kelly was drafted by the Raiders in 2023 during the second round, and is the son of former Raider Steve Kelly, who was drafted sixth overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 1995 and won a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in 2000.

#8 Hubert Clarke, 2007 born (19-year-old season)

With just 32 games of WHL experience, Hubert Clarke will be the Raiders oldest returning defenceman this year. Despite that, the Norway House, Manitoba native seems to have learned a lot from spending last year as part of an Eastern Conference championship team and has come back to the Raiders both leaner and bigger. Last season, Clarke scored 1G-4A-5P.

Before arriving with the Raiders, Clarke made his name as a heavy hitting defenceman that’s hard to play against in the NAHL with the Minot Minotauros. He’s also played prep hockey in Alberta with the North Alberta Xtreme, and AAA in Manitoba with the Winnipeg Thrashers.

In 2024-25, Clarke was an assistant captain with Team Manitoba at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships, where he helped his team win the whole tournament with a 6-1-1 record. Originally drafted in the 11th round by the Raiders in 2022, Clarke has a commitment to play at Western Michigan University for the conclusion of his WHL career.

#12 Brock Cripps, 2009 born (17-year-old season)

Ranked 11th on the early draft lists, there’s going to be a lot of eyes on the Raiders star defenceman. In 62 games during his rookie year last season, Cripps put up 6G-31A-37P.

The last calendar year for Cripps includes two gold medals with Team Canada, one this past August at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup playing alongside Ben Harvey, and another gold medal at the U17 World Championships while playing against Harvey. Both times, Cripps has had Ryan McDonald with him on the bench.

Before arriving with the Raiders, Cripps played CSSHL Prep Hockey with St. George’s School. In his last year of U15 prep in 2023-24, Cripps scored 26G-42A-70P, setting a record for most points scored by a defenceman in a single season. The Raiders selected Cripps second overall in 2024.

#14 Oskars Luks, 2008 born (18-year-old season)

The third European player the Raiders have brought in, the 6’5 Latvian defenceman has been enjoying the welcome he’s received since coming to Prince Albert. Leaving home for the first time last year to play in Finland’s U18 Mestis league, Luks provided 4G-20A-24P.

With Latvia in the World Juniors this year, watch for the Riga, Latvia native to make a push for this year’s team. He’s represented Latvia at international tournaments for three of the past years, starting as early as 2023-24 during his 15-year-old season, the same season he won a Latvia U17 Championship.

Luks was the Raiders first round, and only, pick during this summer’s CHL Import Draft at 60th overall.

Goaltenders

#30 Michal Orsulak, 2007 born (19-year-old season)

Returning just in time from Detroit Red Wings camp, the Raiders will have starting goaltender and World Junior silver medalist Michal Orsulak back between the pipes for opening night. Making his WHL debut last season, Orsulak posted a top five in the league save percentage of 0.907, the best goals against average of 2.22, a 28-4-4 record, and a league second four shutouts.

The world found out who Orsulak was during the World Juniors last year when, after being in goal for a loss to Canada in the round robin stage, Orsulak made 20 saves on 24 shots and earned the redemption win over Canada in the semi-final. For Raiders fans though, he made an impression immediately when he went for the goalie goal during his very first game in the Art Hauser Centre.

Orsulak was selected 46th overall by the Raiders during the first round of the 2025 CHL Import Draft. This past summer, the Tremosna, Czechia native was drafted 79th overall in the third round of the NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings.

#33 Steele Bass, 2008 born (18-year-old season)

Technically, this is the start of the second full WHL season for Bass, although he spent a decent portion of last year as the starter for the SJHL’s Battlefords North Stars. In nine games in the SJHL last year, he had a league best 0.924 save percentage, but more importantly gained valuable starting experience against junior level players.

When he returned to the Raiders, Bass played 16 games with a 0.915 save percentage and a goals against average of 1.94, better than Orsulak’s, but not enough games to qualify in the league’s standings. Before joining the Raiders, Bass played with the AAA with the Okotoks Oilers, and before that prep hockey with RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna.

Bass was selected by the Raiders in the third round of the 2023 WHL Draft.

by Nick Nielsen

Introducing the Raiders for 2026-27

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