Raiders sign Panocha to WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Prince Albert, Sask. – After selecting him with the 26th pick in the 2024 CHL Import Draft, the Prince Albert Raiders have signed defenceman Norwin Panocha to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

“I’m super excited, I think it’s the best thing that could have happened,” Panocha said. “I’m really grateful for the opportunity that I have there, and I’m looking forward to it.”

The 19 year old Bayreuth, Germany product spent the 2023-24 campaign with Chicoutimi of the QMJHL, where he recorded 15 assists in 52 regular season games, as well as logging 28 penalty minutes. He was drafted in the seventh round by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2023 NHL Draft.

“I think playing there (Chicoutimi) helped me to understand the culture a bit, and how things work in the junior leagues,” Panocha said about his time in Chicoutimi. “The type of hockey is a bit different than the WHL, but I’ve gotten used to the North American hockey and the smaller ice. I now know what’s coming up, and I think I’m better prepared and can get right into it.

“I would say I’m a smart defenceman and I try to move the puck well and make plays, while also being a defensive defenceman, doing a good job on box outs and playing hard. I want to help the team win games.”

Panocha is currently with the German National team for a summer camp, and was also in Buffalo for Sabres development camp. He explained how being at these camps will help him be even more prepared heading into his debut season with the Raiders.

“I’ve worked a lot on my shot, I think that’s one of my bigger weaknesses. So I’ve been working on that a lot. Also my skating and trying to put some weight on to be ready for the physicality.”

With a tournament at the World Junior Championship already under his belt last year with Germany, Panocha shared what he has in mind for personal goals this season.

“I would love to have a good playoff run with the Raiders,” he said. “Maybe give it a shot at the Memorial Cup and win the league, and have a good team. With the German national team, it would be nice to get back to the World Juniors again. I also want to improve myself this year and get my game to another level.”