Jason Kerr
Daily Herald
Czech goaltender Michal Orsulak took a big step when he boarded a plane to begin his first WHL season in Prince Albert.
Now, he’s looking to take three more.
The Raiders drafted the 6’4, 225 pound 18-year-old 46th overall in the 2025 CHL Import Draft. He’s one of seven goaltenders who began training camp with the Raiders, and he’s already dreaming big.
“I’m very happy because this is for me a new challenge and new step in my career,” Orsulak said during an interview on Saturday.
“I have three steps,” he added with a smile. “One step, go to playoffs. Two step, win playoffs, and three step is win Memorial Cup.”
Any season that includes a deep playoff run will come with tests and trials, but Orsulak isn’t fazed. In fact, he’s faced a small challenge already.
The Tremosna, Czechia product didn’t have his regular equipment to start training camp, but he’s happy to be on the ice anyway.
“It doesn’t matter,” Orsulak said of his missing gear. “If I am here it will be very good for me.”
Orsulak joins the Raiders following a busy season in the Czechia U20 league. He faced the fifth most shots in the league that season, despite playing fewer games than the four goalies ahead of him.
In total, Orsulak played 34 games for the HC Energie Karlovy Vary U20 team, posting a .902 save percentage and 3.23 GAA.
While he appreciated his time in the U20 league, Orsulak had his sights set on playing CHL hockey.
“For me, junior hockey in Canada is a better match than Europe because from junior in Canada some players go to (the) NHL a lot better than other players,” he said. “For me, I think it’s a good step in my career.”
Orsulak joins a large group of goaltenders hoping to replace departed WHL goaltender of the year Max Hildebrand in the Raider crease. The Raiders reduced that number by one on Sunday when they released former Camrose Eagles netminder Hudson Sedo.
Orsulak and last year’s back-up Dimitri Fortin watched from the seats on Monday as Steele Bass, Carter Adams, Chase Kettles, and Evan Wandler suited up for the Green and White game on Monday.
Head coach Ryan McDonald said they’re looking for someone who can be rock-solid in the Raider goal.
“(It’s) a lot of competition,” McDonald said, “and Dan Ferguson, our goalie coach does a tremendous job with the goalies. Just come in, have that calm presence and that competitive nature, and just compete on every single puck. That’s what we’re looking for.”
The Raiders open their exhibition season on Tuesday in Saskatoon against the Blades. Puck drop is 2 p.m.
The two teams meet again in Prince Albert on Wednesday and Friday. Both games start at 6 p.m.
@kerr_jas • jason.kerr@paherald.sk.ca
