Cripps named finalist for WHL Rookie of the Year
Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today the 2025-26 finalists for the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL’s Rookie of the Year.
Jim Piggott was the sole owner of the Saskatoon Blades and an original founding member of the WHL. Piggott served as Chairman of the Board, and along with Del Wilson, was one of the driving forces to bring the three Major Junior Leagues in Canada together under one roof.
Finalists for WHL Awards are voted upon by WHL General Managers.
Winners of 2026 WHL Awards will be announced from Tuesday, April 21, through Wednesday, May 6.
Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy – Eastern Conference Finalists
Kale Dach, Calgary Hitmen (Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.)
Ben MacBeath, Calgary Hitmen (Calgary, Alta.)
Brock Cripps, Prince Albert Raiders (Victoria, B.C.)
Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy – Western Conference Finalists
JP Hurlbert, Kamloops Blazers (Allen, Texas)
Matias Vanhanen, Everett Silvertips (Nokia, Finland)
Jacob Kvasnicka, Penticton Vees (Burnsville, Minn.)
Brock Cripps, Prince Albert Raiders
The 16-year-old product of Victoria, B.C., registered 37 points (6G-31A) in 62 games, finishing third in scoring among Raiders defencemen and third among all Raiders rookies. The 5-foot-10, 160-pound right-shot rearguard enjoyed a career performance Tuesday, January 20, when he tallied four assists in a 12-2 triumph over his hometown Victoria Royals. From December 3-19, Cripps put together a career best point string of nine games, collecting 10 points (1G-9A) along the way. Originally selected by the Raiders in the first round (second overall) of the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft, Cripps made his WHL debut in 2024-25, skating in four games.
