Rudolph named WHL Rookie of the Year Finalist
The Western Hockey League announced today that Prince Albert Raiders defenceman Daxon Rudolph has been named a finalist for the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy for Rookie of the Year.
Rudolph, a product of Lacombe, AB, was taken with the first overall pick by the Raiders in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft. In the 2024-25 regular season, he led all Raider rookies in scoring, potting seven goals and helping out on 34, totaling 41 points. His +13 rating was tied for third highest on the team.
The 16-year-old went on a tear to start the New Year, as he put together a 12 game point streak from January 1-26. The d-man put up 15 points in those games, and was recognized as the league’s Rookie of the Month. Rudolph was also recognized as the WHL’s Rookie of the Week on February 24, in a week that saw him total six points in four games, including a +9 rating.
In the 2025 WHL Playoffs, Rudolph is currently tied for the team lead in points with four through four games. The Raiders will need to win their next three games to advance to the second round, however, as they trail their first round series against the Edmonton Oil Kings 3-1. Game Five is on Friday night at the Art Hauser Centre. Puck drops at 5pm.
