Raiders defenceman Cripps named Sandman WHL Rookie of the Week
Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today Prince Albert Raiders defenceman Brock Cripps has been named Sandman WHL Rookie of the Week for the week ending Sunday, March 29.
Cripps, a 16-year-old product of Victoria, B.C., recorded four points (2G-2A) and a plus-2 rating, helping the Raiders to a 2-0 series lead over the Red Deer Rebels in the first round of the 2026 WHL Playoffs presented by Nutrien.
The 5-foot-10, 160-pound right-shot blueliner recorded three points (1G-2A) Friday, March 27, as the Raiders claimed a 4-1 victory in Game 1 with the Rebels. With 5:17 to go in the first period, Cripps connected with Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes, who converted on the power-play to open the scoring in the series. Midway through the third period, Cripps was once again involved in a goal by Cootes, contributing a secondary assist on the veteran’s second goal of the evening, giving Prince Albert a 3-1 advantage. Cripps finished his evening by sending a wrist shot from the right circle through a crowd to the back of the net, icing a 4-1 triumph for the Raiders.
During Game 2, Cripps opened the scoring 1:37 into the second period, scoring his second career WHL Playoff goal. On the play, Cripps skated the length of the ice, working his way through all four Red Deer skaters to convert on a beautiful solo, power-play effort. The goal made it 1-0 and stood as the eventual game-winning marker, as the Raiders blanked the Rebels by a 6-0 score.
With four points (2G-2A) in two games, Cripps is tied for the WHL Playoff scoring lead among rookie skaters.
Cripps is enjoying a quality rookie campaign in the WHL, having notched 37 points (6G-31A) in 62 WHL regular season games with the Raiders. 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 and collecting one assist. In 66 career WHL regular season games, he has earned 38 points (6G-32A).
Following Games 1 and 2 in Prince Albert, the Raiders and Rebels head to central Alberta for Games 3 and 4 of their best-of-seven, first-round series. Game 3 is set for Tuesday, March 31, at 7 p.m. MT. Watch the entire series for FREE on Victory+.
