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+.

Sandman WHL Rookie of the Week

September 22, 2025: JP Hurlbert, Kamloops Blazers
September 29, 2025: Chase Surkan, Brandon Wheat Kings
October 6, 2025: Jacob Kvasnicka, Penticton Vees
October 14, 2025: Carter Casey, Medicine Hat Tigers
October 20, 2025: Andrei Molgachev, Calgary Hitmen
October 27, 2025: Chase Surkan, Brandon Wheat Kings
November 3, 2025: Dylan Dean, Edmonton Oil Kings
November 10, 2025: Kale Dach, Calgary Hitmen
November 17, 2024: Brock England, Seattle Thunderbirds
November 24, 2025: Colt Carter, Moose Jaw Warriors
December 1, 2025: JP Hurlbert, Kamloops Blazers
December 8, 2025: Boston Tait, Wenatchee Wild
December 15, 2025: Tyson Moss, Medicine Hat Tigers
December 22, 2025: Ludovic Perreault, Victoria Royals
December 29, 2025: Mason Kraft, Wenatchee Wild
January 5, 2026: Jacob Kvasnicka, Penticton Vees
January 12, 2026: Jacob Kvasnicka, Penticton Vees
January 19, 2026: Prab Bhathal, Brandon Wheat Kings
January 26, 2026: Andrei Molgachev, Calgary Hitmen
February 2, 2026: Matias Vanhanen, Everett Silvertips
February 9, 2026: Kale Dach, Calgary Hitmen
February 16, 2026: Jonah Sivertson, Prince Albert Raiders
February 23, 2026: Vojtech Cihar, Kelowna Rockets
March 2, 2026: Matias Vanhanen, Everett Silvertips
March 9, 2026: Easton Daneault, Lethbridge Hurricanes
March 16, 2026: Ben Harvey, Prince Albert Raiders
March 23, 2026: Poul Andersen, Red Deer Rebels

About the Western Hockey League

Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 23 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.