2024 Announcements



The Vancouver Island Raiders are pleased to announce Andrew Harris has accepted a position on the Board of Directors.

Harris will remain Director of Football Operations including recruiting, personnel decisions and will now include marketing and sponsorship opportunities to his responsibilities.  After an extensive review, Harris is proud to announce that Shawn Arabsky will take over as Head Coach effective immediately.

Arabsky grew up in Nanaimo winning 2 Provincial championships with the John Barsby Bulldogs.  In 2017 Shawn joined the VI Raiders helping the Raiders win that years Cullen Cup and being named DMVP.  Following the 2018 season Shawn moved to Ottawa to continue his education and play safety for the Carleton University Ravens.

Back on the Island for the 2023 season Shawn rejoined the VI Raiders as GM and eventually Head Coach. Shawn continues to provide strength training for the Raiders, local high school football players, local high school baseball players, while running Men’s Flag Football and youth camps for both the Raiders and Shawn's Company Caged Athletics.

With help from Andrew and GM Doug Avender, the team is seeing great success with recruiting new players and Coaches.  To date we have a number of returning players, local commitments and some exciting new International recruits visiting the Island this weekend.

At this time, the Raiders would like to take this opportunity to announce your 2024 Coaching Staff.

  • Head Coach: Shawn Arabsky
  • Offensive Cordinator: Jake Laberge
  • Defensive Cordinator: Shawn Arabsky
  • Special Teams Cordinator: Sean Murray
  • QB Coach: Jake Laberge
  • Assistant QB Coach: Noah Atnikov
  • RB Coach: Colin Pippy
  • WR Coach: Trevor Pelland
  • OL Coach: Mike Gilcash
  • Assistant OL Coach: Ken Crichton
  • Offensive Assistant: Jordan Kuziek
  • Offensive Assistant: Mike Zahar
  • Offensive Assistant: Jason Henderson
  • Offensive Assistant: Marshall Cook
  • DL Coach: Mason Kelly
  • Assistant DL Coach: Scott Bascom
  • LB Coach: Sean Murray
  • DB Coach: Gevhahn McNally – Hardisty
  • Assistant DB Coach: Tyler Gavin
  • Defensive Assistant: Quinton Bowles
  • Defensive Assistant: Garret Kopp
  • Quality Control: Matt Hill
  • Regional Recruitor: Dane Murray