WHL Stars of Tomorrow: Brendan Rudolph, Seattle Thunderbirds

The Seattle Thunderbirds have the winning formula when it comes to finding late-draft gems.

So, if history can repeat itself, all bodes well for 16-year-old Brendan Rudolph.

A product of Calgary, Alta., Rudolph was selected in the seventh round (153rd overall) of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft by Seattle and is ready to challenge for a full-time spot on the Thunderbirds’ opening night roster.

Being from Alberta, Rudolph admits that he didn’t know much about the Thunderbirds organization – or where they were located – when he was first selected. However, since joining the Club during training camp in September 2023 he’s been loving his time in the Evergreen State.

“I did not know [the Thunderbirds] was in Kent, Wash. until I got drafted. I thought it was in Seattle, but it’s a little outside,” Rudolph admitted sheepishly. “I learned a lot more being here now and hanging out with all the guys going out. So, it’s been a great experience.”

With the 153rd pick in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft the Thunderbirds have selected Brendan Rudolph! pic.twitter.com/FdwsDiug1V

— Seattle Thunderbirds (@SeattleTbirds) May 11, 2023

Now accustomed to his new digs in Kent, the seventh-round pick is looking to step into a large role with the Thunderbirds organization.

And, when it comes to the U.S. Division Club, injecting later-round selections into the line-up is a common theme that has found frequent success.

“We’ve had some success with similar draft range. Nico Myatovic was a sixth-round pick, Reid Schaefer was an eighth-round pick. We’ve had other guys that have been undrafted – Jared Davidson, Jeremy Hanzel – so we try to create an environment where everyone starts equal and everyone has the same opportunity to make an impression,” Thunderbirds Head Coach Matt O’Dette shared.

Seattle isn’t just the benefactor of their late-draft gems, either. The organization has also perfected their ability to develop these players into NHL-ready talent. The mix of late-round selections and listed players consisting of Davidson (Montreal Canadiens), Hanzel (Nashville Predators), Myatovic (Anaheim Ducks), and Schaefer (Nashville Predators) are all affiliated with NHL clubs.

Embracing the Thunderbirds’ mission to create a level playing field, Rudolph wasted no time leaving an impression on the Club’s coaching staff. In a stint that lasted three preseason games and five regular season appearances, the hard-hitting forward made a rousing statement for a permanent spot on the roster.

“I thought he did a good job. It’s a big step up for him, and any player that steps in and plays games as a 15-year-old it’s not easy but he handled himself well,” O’Dette said. “I think Brendan set himself up in a good place to win one of those spots.

We are really excited for Brendan and where he’s at, at this stage of his development.”

Hearing the praise dished out by his coach, Rudolph’s excitement levels for the upcoming season and desire to follow in his predecessors’ footsteps only skyrocketed.

“It definitely motivates me to do more and wanting to get better and hopefully reach what those guys did,” Rudolph admitted.

WHL Stars of Tomorrow – Brendan Rudolph

A season of hard work for 7th-round pick Brendan Rudolph has paid off, scoring the #CSSHL U17 Tier 1 Championship-winning goal in overtime just five days ago. @SeattleTbirds | @CSSHL | @chacalgary pic.twitter.com/d7YVvk2xqp

— The WHL (@TheWHL) March 13, 2024

When it comes to the future of the Thunderbirds, Rudolph’s trial as an affiliate player last season further energized O’Dette and his staff.

In a similar fashion to the Thunderbirds’ veterans and recent alumni, Rudolph’s style of play is invaluable for a team looking to make a deep run in the WHL Playoffs.

“We want to create players to have playoff-type habits,” O’Dette continued. “There’s some heaviness to [Rudolph’s] game, which is valuable in a playoff series. So, we want those attributes in a player.”

As a matter of fact, his tight-checking and heavy-hitting pace of play has already proven to be successful. Scoring back-to-back, overtime goals in the semi-finals and finals, Rudolph helped Calgary IHA U17 Prep secure the CSSHL U17 Tier 1 Championship. Along with his two game-winners, his seven points (six goals–one assist) in five post-season appearances was also enough to earn the CSSHL U17 Playoffs MVP award.

✅ HAT-TRICK
✅ OT WINNER
✅ HIGHLIGHT REEL

BRENDAN RUDOLPH SCORES THE OT WINNER FOR @CHACalgary TO WIN THE U17 PREP TIER 1 CHAMPIONSHIP 🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/JrMJM3NN5x

— CSSHL (@CSSHL) March 8, 2024

While O’Dette sets his sights on the future of the organization, Rudolph’s mindset remains focused on taking his junior hockey career one day at a time.

Grateful for his opportunity to suit up with the club last season, the budding forward heads into his second season in the WHL more confident than ever.

“I definitely felt a lot better. I felt stronger,” Rudolph shared. “I felt like I fit more into the team and learned a lot last year that I can bring over into this training camp.”

The Seattle Thunderbirds are set to take flight on Friday, September 20, when they open up their regular season on the road against the Vancouver Giants. Puck drop is slated for 8:00 p.m. MT live on watch.chl.ca.