2012-13 record: 37-28-3-4 (lost to Red Deer in conference quarterfinals)
The Prince Albert Raiders were at the top of the East Division halfway through the season. Unfortunately, they took a major nosedive and combined with a major winning streak by arch-rival Saskatoon, the Raiders lost their grip on the Division and while they made the playoffs, they were soundly swept at the hands of the Red Deer Rebels in the opening round. That embarrassment led to sweeping changes, beginning with the head coach, as Cory Clouston steps in to replace Steve Young. That change happened as the Raiders underwent a rebranding, kicking the pirate to the curb and bringing in a simpler look that emphasizes more green. Anthony Bardaro, Davis Vandane, and Luke Siemens will be moving on, as will Mark McNeill, but Cole Cheveldae is coming in from Kamloops to take one of the overager spots, and he will be an upgrade on Siemens, who struggled down the stretch. Jonas Knutsen was let go to make room for Tomas Andrlik, who will be joining top returning player Leon Draisaitl as one of two Import players. Josh Morrissey is also returning, and he will be a leader on the blue line.
Prediction: Second in the East
The collapse at the end of the regular season and the playoffs may very well serve as a game changer for Prince Albert moving forward. Clouston had success in the WHL, as has Cheveldae, and both Morrissey and Draisaitl are top players who the team will be counting on for continued production. With most of the teams in the East Division in transition, this could be Prince Albert's year to win the division and with a little luck, perhaps the Eastern Conference.
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