Chenier gaining confidence ahead of third season
Prince Albert Raiders forward Oli Chenier is working hard this summer to make sure his third year in the league is his best one yet. His 2024-25 campaign was a slight step back from his rookie year in terms of production, but that hasn’t deterred the Winnipeg product from working hard this offseason. Chenier looked back on his 2024-25 season, recognizing his opportunity to improve.
“I think there were a lot of ups and downs,” he said. “A couple of injuries held me out at times. I think that I’ve got more to show and something to prove coming into next season. Last season wasn’t my best, but at the end of the day I’ve just got to forget about it and move on, learn from it.”
Chenier scored three goals and added 10 assists to finish the 2024-25 season with 13 points. That was a step down from his 11 goal, 11 assist rookie year. Before his 18-year-old season starts, Chenier is making sure he puts in the work this summer. He wants to get off to a good start to the 2025-26 campaign.
“I think for me it’s just about setting goals, whether it’s point totals or things like that. I just want to gain my confidence again like I had in my 16-year-old year. That comes from putting in the work and the reps. It’s nice to come home and get some of that confidence back in the summer skates here. I’m coming into this season with a good mindset.”
The Raiders won their first playoff series since 2019 in the first round against the Edmonton Oil Kings. It was a series they trailed 3-1 in, before mounting an exhilarating comeback to win in seven games. While they fell to the eventual WHL Champion Medicine Hat Tigers in Round Two, Chenier explained how that playoff experience goes a long way.
“Even my rookie year in the playoffs against Saskatoon was a lot of experience for me too,” he said. “I think I’ve grown as a player and a person through those three rounds of playoffs that we’ve been in. To me, it feels like I’ve been in the league a lot longer than I have. I hope I can share some of that experience with the young guys coming in this year.”
The young players coming in this season are expected to be 2024 first round picks Brock Cripps and Ben Harvey. With those two coming in, as well as 2025 CHL Import picks Michal Orsulak, Alisher Sarkenov, and Matyas Man, Chenier is looking forward to getting together again with the club.
“We have a really tight knit group here, and we’re prepared for everything. We’ve been through a lot of ups and downs as a group, and it’s going to be exciting to get back to PA. As a group, we still have that chemistry. That’s not something you lose over a couple months. It’ll be nice to get back with the boys.”
As for right now, Chenier still has another month or so before he returns to Prince Albert for the new season. While he has already spent a lot of time on the ice, there’s even more skating in the near future, while also getting the chance to travel for a little bit.
“I’ve had lots of on ice time, focusing on my speed right now. I’m just trying to get better with every day. I’m going to Calgary this weekend to see some family and friends. I’ll try and meet up with Aiden (Oiring) and Juice, so it should be fun.”
Chenier’s summer started with his high school graduation in Winnipeg. His billet family, the Pagé’s, travelled to Winnipeg to watch the ceremony and spend some time together. Having a family in Prince Albert take him in and grow close with is something he will be forever grateful for.
“I’m super grateful for that family and for them taking me in,” he said. “They treat me like one of their own. They’re great, and the fact that they came down and watched me graduate and spend the weekend was awesome. I can’t say enough great things about those people.”
