(rdnewsNOW via NAX/supplied)

By Logan Lehmann

Donning the maple leaf

Raiders prospect Rudolph named to Team Canada for 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games

Dec 21, 2023 | 5:00 PM

Prince Albert Raiders prospect Daxon Rudolph will be taking his talents to the international spotlight next month.

The 15-year-old was one of 18 players named to the team that will compete for a gold medal at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea.

Rudolph has proven himself worthy of the call as he has 41 points in 21 games playing with Northern Alberta Xtreme U18 in the CSSHL. He was the first overall pick in the 2023 WHL Draft, going to the Raiders.

READ MORE: Raiders top pick Rudolph excelling at U18 level

“We are thrilled to announce the 18 players from six Members who will have the unique opportunity of representing Canada for the first time at the Winter Youth Olympic Games,” said senior manager of hockey operations Benoit Roy in a release. “This event gives us an opportunity to introduce players to Hockey Canada while providing athletes with the chance to develop the skills and experience needed in international competition, all while competing for a gold medal and taking in an experience of a lifetime in Gangwon.”

Court proceedings

'The impact of this trauma will echo for generations': court case surrounding La Ronge woman's death reaches conclusion

1h ago

Going Global

P.A.'s Zablocki named to Team Canada for U18 Women's World Championships

1h ago

Election 2024

Birch Hills staff won't share election decision

2h ago

Of the 18 players selected, eight are from Ontario, four are from B.C., three are from Alberta, and New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Quebec are each represented by one player.

Canada has competed at every Winter Youth Olympic Games to date and captured a bronze medal at Innsbruck, Austria in 2012 and a silver medal at Lillehammer, Norway in 2016. The last time the games were held was in 2020 and saw Canada claim bronze in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The games in Gangwon will feature 1,900 athletes from 79 countries competing in seven different sports with 15 disciplines and 81 total events.

Rudolph and Team Canada will begin the trek to Youth Olympic gold on Jan. 27 when they faceoff against the host Republic of Korea. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:00 a.m. Saskatchewan time.

—

loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com