(WHL/Supplied photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

WHL awards

Lacombe’s Daxon Rudolph named nominee for WHL Rookie of the Year

Apr 3, 2025 | 4:31 PM

Lacombe’s Daxon Rudolph is in the running for the Western Hockey League (WHL) rookie of the year award.

Following a stellar first year in the WHL with the Prince Albert Raiders, the 17-year-old defenceman was named as one of six nominees for the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy.

He scored seven goals and added 34 assists for 41 points in 64 games this season, which put him fourth in points among all rookie defencemen and fifth among all rookies in assists.

His fantastic rookie campaign featured a 12-game point streak which included two goals and 13 assists throughout January. He also added a career-high five points in a victory over the Moose Jaw Warriors on Feb. 17.

The six-foot-one, 195-pound blue liner was taken first overall by the Raiders in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft. Next year, he’ll be eligible for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.

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In November, he helped Canada White win gold at the 2024 U17 World Challenge in Sarnia, Ont.

Also named as nominees were Edmonton Oil Kings forward Lukas Sawchyn, Saskatoon Blades forward Cooper Williams, Everett Silvertips defenceman Landon DuPont, Vancouver Giants defenceman Ryan Lin, and Victoria Royals forward Keaton Verhoeff.

The general managers throughout the WHL vote on the league’s major awards and the winners will be announced from Tuesday, April 22, through Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

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