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Lacombe’s Daxon Rudolph expected to be chosen early in upcoming WHL draft

The 15-year-old ranked fifth among prospects
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Lacombe’s Daxon Rudolph is poised to be a top pick in the WHL Draft this season. On Friday he competed in his third game at the Alberta Cup in Red Deer in front of WHL scouts. (Photo by Ian Gustafson/ Advocate staff)

Lacombe’s Daxon Rudolph knows a thing or two about playing hockey.

The 15-year-old helped the Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep win the Canadian Sport School u15 Prep Western Championships last month and is now showcasing his skills at the Alberta Cup this week in Red Deer.

In front of hundreds of Western Hockey League scouts, Rudolph and numerous players from across the province are hoping to impress in hopes of being selected at the upcoming WHL Prospects Draft.

The defenceman is poised to be a top pick in this year’s draft. According to Elite Prospects’ most recent rankings, Rudolph is most likely to be selected in the top five.

However, Rudolph tries to not look too much into that.

“It’s there. I see it on social media and stuff but I’m just trying to play my game and get better every day. The results will take care of themselves,” he said.

“I think I can continue to play my game and stick to my brand which is an offensive defenceman that moves the puck and moves well laterally and up the ice.”

Rudolph had a fantastic season wit the Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep scoring 17 goals and 33 assists for 50 points in 30 games including the game-winner in overtime in the finals of the Western Championships.

“I try to chip in offensively and play a 200-foot game. I love scoring goals and I love setting my teammates up so it’s nice chipping in,” he said.

“I can move the puck well and can move my feet well too. Those are the parts of my game I feel most comfortable in and are my strengths.”

He played last year with the U15 AAA Red Deer Rebels but switched to the Xtreme out of Edmonton. Regardless of where he plays he’ll never forget his home in Central Alberta.

“We’re Alberta built so I’ll never forget where I come from and it’s always going to be where I grew up. I do take pride in that for sure,” he added.

Through three games Rudolph has a pair of goals but unfortunately Team Black remains winless.

“Rough start for the team but we’re trying. We’re getting our shots up and ran into a couple of good goalies. We’re playing good and I’m lucky to pot a few.”

The Alberta Cup will continue through the weekend until the final on Sunday at 2 p.m.



Ian Gustafson

About the Author: Ian Gustafson

Ian began his journalism career as a reporter in Prince Albert, Sask. for the last three years, and was born and raised in Saskatchewan.
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