Raiders defenceman Daxon Rudolph celebrates between his overtime linemates, Markus and Liam Ruck of the Medicine Hat Tigers, after Rudolph scored the overtime winner. (Image Credit: Rob Wilton/WHL)

By Nick Nielsen

Rudolph named MVP

Strong showing for Raiders at WHL Prospects Challenge

Feb 19, 2026 | 12:30 PM

The WHL temporarily shut down this week to host an ‘all-star’ style game for the first time in 25 years, and three Prince Albert Raiders were a big part of it.

Daxon Rudolph, Jonah Sivertson, and Michal Orsulak were all there to represent the Raiders on Team East at the inaugural WHL Prospects game, and Rudolph, who scored the game winner, was named ‘Performer of the Game’ in the 5-4 win.

Team East got out to a 3-0 lead by the halfway mark of the game with goals from Calgary Hitmen forward Landon Amrhein, Saskatoon Blades forward Zach Olsen, and Brandon Wheat Kings defenceman Giorgos Pantelas. Team West scored the next three goals in a row to tie the game, but then Medicine Hat Tigers forward Liam Ruck scored to put Team East ahead once again.

Team West scored its third powerplay goal of the third period to tie the game. In overtime, it took Rudolph just 14 seconds to find the back of the net. Off the faceoff at centre, Rudolph dropped the puck to the left wall for Markus Ruck, and Ruck quickly returned the puck up the left wall for Rudolph who blew past the last defender and tucked the puck in for the overtime winner.

Michal Orsulak was in net to start the game for Team East and he stopped all 16 shots he faced in 30:10 of ice-time. He even managed to draw a goaltender interference penalty during the game.

A family affair

Ontario man wins Canadian Challenge dog sled race

21m ago

Making progress

Snow removal efforts continue as temperatures drop significantly below average

1h ago

2026 Census

City counts on census for federal, provincial funding

1h ago

Jonah Sivertson was stopped on what was considered the ‘save of the night’ highlighted at the end of the game on a rebound chance. He registered a team high three shots on goal, tied with a few others including Rudolph. The game was a star-making performance for the Raiders’ 17-year-old assistant captain. Not only was Rudolph named captain to Team East prior to the game, but he also played some big minutes for the team defensively and earn both the highlight of the night and the overtime game winner.

The trio of Raiders will return to Prince Albert this week ahead of Friday’s game in Moose Jaw against the Warriors.

—

nick.nielsen@pattisonmedia.com