Prince Albert Raiders. In the world of junior hockey, being reassigned or sent back a level is often viewed as a disappointment, even a warning sign. For many young players, it can feel like momentum slipping away just as a dream begins to take shape. But for Jonah Sivertson, that experience became less of a roadblock and more of a recalibration one that ultimately set him on a much stronger path forward.
At just 17 years old, Sivertson is now in the middle of his first complete season in the Western Hockey League with the Prince Albert Raiders, and he looks every bit like a player who belongs. His game carries a quiet confidence, the kind that comes from growth earned through patience, hard work, and self belief rather than being forced too early. That confidence didn’t appear overnight; it was built step by step, with one of the most important steps being a move that initially looked like a step backward.
Sivertson was selected by Prince Albert in the fourth round, 71st overall, of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft. Like many young prospects, he arrived at training camp ahead of the 2024/2025 season eager to prove he was ready for the jump to major junior hockey. The Raiders gave him that opportunity, and he opened the season in Prince Albert, getting a taste of the league and the speed, physicality, and structure that come with it.
After appearing in 14 games, however, the organization made a decision that is common in junior hockey but never easy for a teenager to process. Sivertson was reassigned back to Regina to continue his development with the Pat Canadians at the Under 18 AAA level. For some players, that kind of move can shake confidence or stall progress. For Sivertson, it became the foundation of everything that followed.
Looking back, Sivertson sees that stretch not as a demotion, but as a crucial learning period. Speaking on The SportsCage, he reflected on how impactful the experience turned out to be.
“It helped me a lot,” he said. “It gave me time to get stronger, more confident, and really work on parts of my game.”
That time in Regina proved to be transformative. Playing with the Pat Canadians, Sivertson was given a chance to take on a larger role, log big minutes, and face high pressure situations regularly. The season culminated in something truly special A national championship run that tested him mentally and physically. Competing for a title on that stage provided invaluable experience, particularly for a young player still learning how to manage expectations, pressure, and leadership.
By the time Sivertson returned to Prince Albert for the 2025/2026 season, he wasn’t just a year older. He was noticeably more prepared. His game looked sharper, stronger, and more complete, and the confidence he carried was rooted in real accomplishments rather than potential alone.
That growth has been evident all season long. Through 40 games with the Raiders, Sivertson has recorded 15 goals and 19 assists, strong production for a first year WHL regular.
Even more telling is his plus 32 rating, the best on the team, which reflects not just offensive output but consistent, responsible play at both ends of the ice. He’s earned the trust of the coaching staff in all situations five on five, special teams, and late game scenarios on a Raiders squad with legitimate championship aspirations.
When Sivertson looks back on what changed most dramatically over the past year, one word comes up again and again: strength.
“The biggest thing was strength,” he explained. “Being stronger on my feet, quicker in my stride, harder to knock off the puck.”
That improvement didn’t happen by accident. Last summer became a turning point, as Sivertson committed himself fully to physical development. He spent countless hours in the gym working with Deanna Wells at Peak, focusing on building functional strength that translated directly onto the ice. At the same time, he continued refining his skating mechanics with longtime coach Dave Schultz, fine tuning the details that separate good junior players from impactful WHL contributors.
“They both helped me a ton,” Sivertson said. “I couldn’t have done it without them.”
The results of that work have shown up in meaningful ways throughout the season. One of the most memorable moments came during a historic offensive outburst by Prince Albert, when the Raiders exploded for 12 goals the most the franchise has scored in a single game since 1995. In that game, Sivertson chipped in with a goal and three assists, playing a major role in a night that served as both a team milestone and a personal reminder of how far he’d come since being reassigned the previous season.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a game like that,” he said afterward, reflecting on the rare combination of fun, flow, and confidence that defined the night.
The validation didn’t stop there. The very next day, Sivertson received another significant nod to his progress when he was selected to represent Team East in the WHL Prospects Game. The news came in a simple but memorable way being called into the coach’s office and told directly.
“It was pretty exciting,” he admitted.
Moments like that help reinforce to young players that the work they’re putting in is being noticed. Still, success at a young age also brings new challenges. As the trade deadline approached, Sivertson found himself experiencing a new kind of pressure. His name surfaced in trade rumours, something that often happens when a player is performing well while still early in his WHL career.
Like most players in that situation, he felt some unease.
“You’re always a little worried,” Sivertson said. “But I’m really happy to be in Prince Albert.”
That sentiment reflects how quickly the city and organization have become home. From the moment he arrived, Sivertson embraced everything that comes with being a Raider. The packed crowds at the Art Hauser Centre, the passion of the fan base, and the unmistakable presence of Prince Albert supporters even on the road have all left a lasting impression.
“The fans are incredible,” he said. “You see Prince Albert jerseys everywhere, even on the road.”
Inside the locker room, the culture has been just as important. The message from coaches and teammates alike is simple and consistent: focus on the process, trust one another, and aim to improve a little each day.
“Stick to the process,” Sivertson said. “Trust each other and try to get a little better every day.”
Even as he’s fully immersed in life with the Raiders, Sivertson hasn’t forgotten where he came from. He still follows the Pat Canadians closely in the Saskatchewan Under 18 AAA league and keeps tabs on former teammates who are now scattered across the WHL. Those connections remain strong, maintained through friendly trash talk and genuine support.
“We’re always chirping each other,” he said with a smile. “But it’s great seeing everyone doing well.”
Another influence on Sivertson’s development has been the opportunity to share the ice with elite-level talent, including goaltender Mikel Orselak. Orselak, who represented Czechia at the World Junior Hockey Championship, brings a level of professionalism and attention to detail that hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“He’s always trying to get better,” Sivertson said. “That stuff rubs off on you.”
Away from the rink, life has found a comfortable rhythm. Strong billet support, familiar routines, and a growing sense of belonging have allowed Sivertson to focus fully on hockey without unnecessary distractions. That stability matters, especially in a league where young players are often living away from home for the first time.
In many ways, Sivertson’s journey serves as a reminder that development in junior hockey is rarely a straight line. Progress doesn’t always come from pushing forward at full speed. Sometimes, it requires a pause, a reset, or even a step back to address the details that truly matter.
For Jonah Sivertson, being sent back wasn’t the end of the road it was the beginning of a stronger one. And as his play continues to reflect the lessons he’s learned along the way, it’s clear that the patience he showed early on is now paying real dividends.