Beckett Hamilton, left, and Daxon Rudolph, right, will play in the 2026 WHL Prospects Game in February. (Image Credit: Mark Peterson and Taylor Lachance/Supplied)

By Ian Gustafson

NHL Draft eligible players

Rudolph and Hamilton to suit up in upcoming WHL Prospects Game

Jan 21, 2026 | 1:06 PM

Lacombe’s Daxon Rudolph and Red Deer Rebels Beckett Hamilton are set to compete in the upcoming 2026 WHL Prospects Game.

Both players, along with 42 other NHL Draft-eligible prospects, were named on Wednesday to play in the game on Feb. 18 at the Langley Events Centre in B.C.

Rudolph and Hamilton were both selected to play for Team East, which will face Team West in the matchup.

In a media release from the Western Hockey League, they stated the rosters were selected based on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings and that all 23 WHL teams have at least one player on the roster.

“NHL Central Scouting was pleased to work with the WHL in selecting players for the inaugural WHL Prospects Game,” said Dan Marr, NHL Group Vice President – Director of NHL Central Scouting. “The WHL Prospects Game allows NHL Clubs to evaluate the best NHL Draft eligible WHL prospects as they compete in a winner-take-all environment. The 2026 WHL draft class is a deep and diverse group of talented players, and this game is a unique resource in assisting NHL Clubs determine their priorities for the 2026 NHL Draft.”

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Rudolph, a defenceman for the Prince Albert Raiders, is tied for the team lead with 50 points. He’s appeared in 42 games this year and has scored 20 goals and added 30 assists.

As a result, he’s helped lead the Raiders to a 32-6-4-0 record and are currently second in the Eastern Conference standings.

Earlier this month, Rudolph was ranked sixth among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings.

Meantime, Hamilton leads the Rebels with 34 points in 41 games, including 16 goals and 18 assists.

The forward from Saskatoon, Sask., has helped Red Deer turn their season around in January and reach eighth place with a 16-22-2-2 record in the Eastern Conference.

Hamilton was ranked 75th among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings.