2026 WHL Championship – Game 3 Player to Watch: Brock Cripps, Prince Albert Raiders

Prince Albert, Sask. – It isn’t very often a 16-year-old defenceman carries a heavy load during the WHL Playoffs, but that’s exactly what Brock Cripps is doing for the Prince Albert Raiders.

And he’s about to take on more in Game 3 with teammate Daxon Rudolph serving a one-game suspension.

Cripps, the rookie from Victoria, B.C., has played an integral role for the Raiders during their postseason run, recording 19 points (4G-15A) in 17 games.

“It means a lot to get that trust from all the coaches and just playing that huge role is definitely a lot of responsibility, and I’ve tried to do a good job taking that on,” Cripps said following Game 2. “Hopefully I can keep it going.”

The presence of a 16-year-old on the blueline during a WHL Championship isn’t all that unfamiliar in Hockey Town North. In 2019, it was rookie Kaiden Guhle logging important minutes, helping the Raiders to the franchise’s second WHL title.

Cripps, a 5-foot-10, 160-pound, right-shot rearguard, put together an impressive regular season, tallying 37 points (6G-31A) in 62 games. He was named a finalist for the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL Rookie of the Year.

“The way he can read the ice and make plays, put pucks for teammates in spots that can put them in a positive position and his deception and anticipation,” said Ryan McDonald, Head Coach of the Raiders, on how Cripps impacts the play. “He does a tremendous job, great vision up top, and a great puck mover.”

Eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft, Cripps is already turning heads with his responsible defensive play and mobile, two-way presence. In many circles, he is already projected as a potential first-round pick.

Cripps was originally selected by the Raiders in the first round (second overall) of the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft.

Game 3 of the 2026 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien is set for Tuesday, May 12, at 7:30 p.m. MT as the Prince Albert Raiders host the Everett Silvertips. The winner of the best-of-seven series will advance to the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota in Kelowna, B.C., which is scheduled for Friday, May 22, through Sunday, May 31.

All seven games of the WHL Championship Series are available in Canada on TSN. Viewers can also stream the entire series globally and for FREE on Victory+.