Red Deer’s Madden Daneault selected 1st overall in 2026 WHL Prospects Draft

Red Deer’s Madden Daneault has been selected first overall in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft.

He was taken by the Kelowna Rockets, who acquired the pick from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in a trade.

As a result, Daneault became the first Red Deerian to be taken first overall in the draft and the first-ever player to be taken first by the Rockets franchise. Three years ago, Lacombe’s Daxon Rudolph was selected first overall in the draft by the Prince Albert Raiders and Red Deer’s Nate Danielson was taken fifth overall in the 2019 draft by the Brandon Wheat Kings.

“Madden is a complete 200-foot player that impacts the game in all areas of the ice,” said Kelowna Rockets Director of Player Personnel Terry McFaul. “He competes at a very high level, has elite offensive instincts, and scores at an exceptional rate. We believe he has all the tools to become a special player in our organization.”

This season, the 15-year-old forward broke the U15 AAA Alberta Elite Hockey League’s single-season scoring record with 149 points in 34 games with the Red Deer Rebels, including 65 goals and 84 assists.

Meanwhile, Sylvan Lake’s Jevin Morrison, who also played for the U15 AAA Red Deer Rebels, was taken fifth overall by the Wenatchee Wild.

The 15-year-old defenceman recorded 64 points in 24 games including 17 goals and 47 assists. He added 12 points in nine playoff games