Defenseman Daxon Rudolph was thrilled to be the first overall pick by the Prince Albert Raiders, and is ready for the real work to begin. (Submitted Photo/Prince Albert Raiders)

By Rob Mahon

Rudolph Goes First

Top pick Rudolph excited to continue Raiders tradition of excellence on defense

May 11, 2023 | 3:00 PM

It was a big moment for the future of the Prince Albert Raiders, but also a gigantic one in the hockey career of defenseman Daxon Rudolph.

The reigning CSSHL U15 defenseman of the year and product of the Northern Albert Xtreme (NAX) program was the first overall pick in the WHL Prospects draft to the Raiders on the morning of May 11. While acknowledging it’s just the first step in a long hockey journey, Rudolph was thrilled.

“It was a pretty cool moment, for sure,” Rudolph said. “Me and my family have been working hard really my whole life to get this moment. I’m really excited to get the journey started in Prince Albert.”

Fittingly, Rudolph was at the rink when the news came down, and got to share the moment with his teammates at NAX. It was just another big moment this season for that group of players with Rudolph at the centre. Earlier in the season, he scored a championship-winning overtime goal for NAX.

“It was awesome,” Rudolph said. “All the hard work paid off from all the boys this year to finally win it. My first time winning a championship felt amazing, especially to score that OT winner. It’s a big dream of everyone’s, everyone wants to score an OT winner in their life, and I was lucky enough to get it done this year.”

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Scoring goals was a big part of the season for Rudolph, as he scored 17 of them and assisted on 33 others before adding 12 points in five playoff games. As you might expect, he sees offense as a big part of his game.

“I’m an offensive defenseman who likes to move the puck, move my feet, and chip in offensively,” said Rudolph. “I really like scoring goals and setting up my teammates, that’s always what everyone loves to do and it’s a big part of the game.”

Rudolph already knows some of the Raiders’ history when it comes to developing defensemen, mentioning Kaiden Guhle among the team’s recent graduates to the professional ranks. Knowing how well the Raiders have done with defensemen in recent years made going first overall to them all the more exciting.

“I’m really excited to be a part of the special names and the special players there,” Rudolph said. “It’s all part of the journey, and I just want to continue and follow their footsteps.”

As a 2008-born player, Rudolph is eligible for his first year of U18 AAA hockey next season.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP