Vancouver Island Raiders The Vancouver Island Raiders are a Canadian Junior Football team based in Nanaimo, British Columbia. The Raiders compete in the British Columbia Football Conference (BCFC), which is part of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL). The team plays its home games at Q’unq’inuqwstuxw Stadium and competes annually for the BCFC championship Cullen Cup, and the Canadian Bowl, the CJFL national championship.
History The Raiders were founded in 2005 in Nanaimo, BC. Between 2006 and 2011, the team captured six consecutive BCFC Championships, adding two more in 2013 and 2017. The Raiders also won three national titles (2006, 2008, 2009) and appeared in five Canadian Bowl games overall. In 2018, the Raiders were inducted into the BC Football Hall of Fame in recognition of their sustained excellence and impact on the sport.
Leadership The Raiders are led by President and Director of Football Operations Andrew Harris, a four-time Grey Cup champion and one of the most decorated players in CFL history. Head Coach Shawn Arabsky oversee the team’s football operations and player development.
Notable alumni The Vancouver Island Raiders have produced numerous standout players who have gone on to excel at the university and professional levels, helping establish the team as a national development powerhouse. Andrew Harris – Four-time Grey Cup champion; among the CFL’s all-time leaders in rushing yards and touchdowns. Lorne Plante – Manitoba Bisons and BC Lions (CFL). Brian Ridgeway – Drafted 39th overall by the Montreal Alouettes in 2010; played for Simon Fraser University and Saint Mary’s University. Andrew Smith – Manitoba Bisons and Montreal Alouettes (CFL). Jordan Yantz – CJFL all-time passing yards leader; U Sports quarterback with CFL tryouts. Whitman Tomusiak – CJFL all-time receiving yards leader; former BC Lions receiver. Other notable alumni include Jaiden Smith, Josh Williams, Karim Maher, Jordan Botel, Ranji Atwall, Michael Schaefer, and Quinton Bowles.
Community and Legacy The Raiders are deeply connected to Nanaimo, often referred to as the Harbour City, with strong community partnerships and outreach programs supporting youth sports, education, and local initiatives. In 2025, the organization celebrated its first ever Jr. Raiders Youth Camp, and its 20th anniversary season, marking two decades of brotherhood, growth, and championship tradition on Vancouver Island.
Coaching staff Head Coach:Shawn Arabsky Offensive Coordinator:Chris Ashman Defensive Coordinator:Shawn Arabsky
Executives President:Andrew HarrisSenior ConsultantWarren McCarty
History Season Result 2005 8 2 0 2ndLost BCFC Semi-Final 2006 10 0 0 1stWon BCFC titleWon Canadian Bowl 2007 8 2 0 1stWon BCFC titleLost Inter-Conference Final 2008 9 1 0 1stWon BCFC titleWon Inter-Conference FinalWon Canadian Bowl 2009 10 0 0 1stWon BCFC titleWon Canadian Bowl 2010 9 1 0 2ndWon BCFC titleLWon Inter-Conference FinalLost Canadian Bowl 2011 10 0 0 1stWon BCFC titleLost Inter-Conference Final2012 9 0 1 1stLost BCFC Championship2013 8 2 0 1stWon BCFC titleLost Canadian Bowl2014 5 5 0 4thLost BCFC Semi-Final2015 7 3 0 2ndLost BCFC Championship2016 5 4 1 4thLost BCFC Semi-Final2017 6 3 1 3rdWon BCFC titleLost Inter-Conference Final2018 6 4 0 3rdLost BCFC Semi-Final2019 5 5 0 4thLost BCFC Semi-Final2020Season cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic.2021 4 4 0 4thSeason shortened due to COVID-19 pandemic.2022 1 9 0 7thDid not qualify for Playoffs2023 0 10 0 7thDid not qualify for Playoffs20244605thDid not qualify for Playoffs20255414thLost BCFC Semi-FinalAll-Time Record118563
References
External links Vancouver Island Raiders homepage Canadian Junior Football League