WHL Stars of Tomorrow – U18 Prospects – February 7, 2024

The WHL Stars of Tomorrow series highlights the biggest and brightest prospects on the cusp of becoming household names in the Western Hockey League.

Each week, four of the WHL’s top U18 prospects will be featured with reports from league and team representatives.

The series will also give an update on 18 additional prospects as they navigate their 15- and 16-year-old seasons. 

Prince Albert Raiders

DAXON RUDOLPH – DEFENCE – 2023 1ST ROUND PICK (1ST OVERALL)
Northern Alberta Xtreme U18 Prep (CSSHL U18)
24 Games – 21 Goals – 30 Assists – 51 Points

Hat-Trick number ✌️ on the campaign for Daxon Rudolph

Last year's first overall pick is now up to 21-goals on the season and leads all U18 Prep defenders in scoring@NAXHockey | @PARaidersHockey | #CSSHL pic.twitter.com/uZBYKV5p4p

— CSSHL (@CSSHL) February 5, 2024

“Dax is a complete leader and leads by example on and off the ice. He is able to control all situations in all areas of the ice. He is able to calm the game down and turn any situation into a positive. His game sense and poise are second to none.”

– Curtis Hunt (Prince Albert Raiders General Manager)

“Daxon has a strong, two-way profile and has put together a standout campaign so far this season in the CSSHL’s U18 Prep league. His shot is his biggest offensive weapon with the ability to score from anywhere inside the blueline, highlighted by his 21 goals in 24 games this season. Defensively, Daxon defends the rush well and has a knack for anticipating and killing plays in the defensive zone before they develop. Daxon’s presence and confidence is impressive for a first-year player at the U18 level and will serve him well in his transition to the Western Hockey League.”

– Taylor Green (WHL Manager of Hockey Operations)

Vancouver Giants

BRETT OLSON – FORWARD – 2023 1ST ROUND PICK (8TH OVERALL)
St. Albert Raiders U18 AAA (AEHL U18)
29 Games – 22 Goals – 27 Assists – 49 Points

“Brett Olson’s hockey IQ is impressive; he reads the game exceptionally well and consistently makes smart plays. He’s a player who not only contributes points but also elevates the performance of those around him. Brett plays A responsible 200-foot game that will translate very well to the WHL. We are very excited to have Brett join our program he has a pro frame and high compete level that will only get better as he ages up”

– Barclay Parneta (Vancouver Giants General Manager)

“Brett Olson blends a 6’2 frame with great skating, high compete, and no real weaknesses to speak of. His 200-foot game is impressive for a young player and he has proven to be a reliable option in all situations this season. Brett’s biggest step forward this season has been the offensive side of his game. It’s not just the impressive scoring profile this season, but the way he’s doing it. His shot and playmaking ability both look improved from last year, and you can see the confidence in the way he attacks offensively. Olson has the makings of a two-way, playing driving center that every team desires.” 

– Taylor Green (WHL Manager of Hockey Operations)

Everett Silvertips

BREK LISKE – DEFENCE – 2023 1ST ROUND PICK (10TH OVERALL)
Northern Alberta Xtreme U18 Prep (CSSHL U18)
23 Games – 10 Goals – 17 Assists – 27 Points

GOLDEN GOAL FOR THE GOLD AND BLACK 🏆@WHLsilvertips prospect Brek Liske wins the WHL Cup for @hockeymanitoba in the shootout! pic.twitter.com/htkNLKTN1R

— The WHL (@TheWHL) October 22, 2023

“Brek has already made an impact with our club when he was called up as an affiliate earlier this season, scoring his first WHL goal and being able to quickly adjust to the speed and pace of the league. The one thing I really like about Brek is his all-around game. He moves pucks well, and is able to recognize situations on the ice and react to them in a hurry. He also shows lots of offensive promise and upside, while I also taking care of things defensively. He breaks up a lot of plays and takes care of things in front of his own net. He’s also a very driven athlete and puts in a lot of work off the ice. He wants to get better and do what is needed to become a pro down the road. We’re very happy with his progress and development to this point and he will be a key part of our future.”

– Mike Fraser (Everett Silvertips Assistant General Manager)

“Brek’s had an excellent 2023-24 season so far, starting with his key role in Team Manitoba’s win at the WHL Cup and continuing with the dominance of his U18 Prep program, Northern Alberta Xtreme. His combination of size, mobility, puck skills, and hockey IQ provide all the tools scouts look for in a top-end defender. I like his ability to adapt his game depending on the situation. He is just as comfortable generating offense for his club as he is defending a lead late in the third period. Brek’s first WHL goal against Seattle last month gave Silvertip fans a taste of what is to come from the talented first rounder”

– Taylor Green (WHL Manager of Hockey Operations)

Spokane Chiefs

CARTER ESLER – GOALTENDER – 2023 1ST ROUND PICK (22ND OVERALL)
Okotoks Oilers U18 AAA (AEHL U18)
20 Games – 3.55 GAA – .909 SV%

“Carter has played in 20 of their 33 games this season with his Okotoks U18 team and has been solid in net.  He has a strong focus in net and is a calming influence for his teammates.  While athletic he is technically sound.  Carter was the starting goaltender for Canada at the Youth Olympics and finished with a 2.57 GAA in 4 games played.”

– Matt Bardsley (Spokane Chiefs General Manager)

“Carter has had a lot of exposure to high-performance events the last 12 months, from Alberta Cup, to WHL Cup, to the Youth Olympic Games. He has performed extremely well on these big stages, a testament to his focus and execution under pressure. Carter is an athletic goaltender with big save capability, but it’s his sound technique that allows him to perform consistently at a high level.”

– Taylor Green (WHL Manager of Hockey Operations)

 

Brandon Wheat Kings

EASTON ODUT – FORWARD – 2022 2ND ROUND PICK (34TH OVERALL)
Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA (MU18HL)
31 Games – 17 Goals – 35 Assists – 52 Points

 

Calgary Hitmen

CONNOR BEAR – FORWARD – 2022 6TH ROUND PICK (117TH OVERALL)
Warman Wildcats U18 AAA (SMAAAHL)
27 Games – 10 Goals – 11 Assists – 21 Points

 

Edmonton Oil Kings

PARKER SNELL – GOALTENDER – 2023 2ND ROUND PICK (34TH OVERALL)
Northern Alberta Xtreme U17 (CSSHL U17)
15 Games – 2.71 GAA – .918 SV%

 

Kamloops Blazers

TY BONKOWSKI – FORWARD – 2023 6TH ROUND PICK (130TH OVERALL)
Burnaby Winter Club U18 Prep (CSSHL U18)
25 Games – 12 Goals – 18 Assists – 30 Points

 

Kelowna Rockets

OWEN FOLSTROM – FORWARD – 2023 4TH ROUND PICK (76TH OVERALL)
Calgary Flames U18 AAA (AEHL U18)
27 Games – 18 Goals – 14 Assists – 32 Points

 

Lethbridge Hurricanes

BRODY ROTAR – GOALTENDER – 2023 5TH ROUND PICK (102ND OVERALL)
Edge School U17 Prep (CSSHL U17)
15 Games – 4.35 GAA – .890 SV%

 

Medicine Hat Tigers

RILEY STEEN – DEFENCE – 2023 6TH ROUND PICK (127TH OVERALL)
Okanagan HA U18 Prep (CSSHL U18)
24 Games – 1 Goal – 9 Assists – 10 Points

 

Moose Jaw Warriors

LANDEN MCFADDEN – FORWARD – 2022 4TH ROUND PICK (80TH OVERALL)
Edmonton Jr. Oilers U18 AAA (AEHL U18)
31 Games – 20 Goals – 18 Assists – 38 Points

 

Portland Winterhawks

JORDAN DUGUAY – FORWARD – 2022 2ND ROUND PICK (39TH OVERALL)
Northern Alberta Xtreme U18 Prep (CSSHL U18)
25 Games – 19 Goals – 24 Assists – 43 Points

 

Prince George Cougars

MAX THREINEN – DEFENCE – 2022 5TH ROUND PICK (94TH OVERALL)
Moose Jaw Warriors U18 AAA (SMAAAHL)
38 Games – 3 Goals – 12 Assists – 15 Points

 

Red Deer Rebels

LUKE VLOOSWYK – DEFENCE – 2022 1ST ROUND PICK (17TH OVERALL)
Edge School U18 Prep (CSSHL U18)
25 Games – 3 Goals – 9 Assists – 12 Points

 

Regina Pats

CAMERON KUZMA – FORWARD – 2023 3RD ROUND PICK (61ST OVERALL)
Notre Dame Hounds U18 AAA (SMAAAHL)
31 Games – 14 Goals – 11 Assists – 25 Points

 

Saskatoon Blades

NATHAN GUENTHER – DEFENCE – 2023 4TH ROUND PICK (70TH OVERALL)
Northern Alberta Xtreme U17 (CSSHL U17)
27 Games – 2 Goals – 18 Assists – 20 Points

 

Seattle Thunderbirds

CALEB POTTER – DEFENCE – 2022 5TH ROUND PICK (104TH OVERALL)
Moose Jaw Warriors U18 AAA (SMAAAHL)
35 Games – 9 Goals – 14 Assists – 23 Points

 

Swift Current Broncos

JACE MCFAUL – DEFENCE – 2022 2ND ROUND PICK (26TH OVERALL)
Edmonton Jr. Oilers U18 AAA (AEHL U18)
26 Games – 3 Goals – 18 Assists – 21 Points

 

Tri-City Americans

JAXEN ADAM – DEFENCE – 2022 5TH ROUND PICK (90TH OVERALL)
IHA U18 Prep (CSSHL U18)
18 Games – 6 Goals – 8 Assists – 14 Points

 

Victoria Royals

COLE PRELUSKY – GOALTENDER – 2023 3RD ROUND PICK (62ND OVERALL)
Calgary IHA U17 Prep (CSSHL U17)
22 Games – 2.81 GAA – .935 SV%

 

Wenatchee Wild

DANIEL MOROZOV – FORWARD – 2022 5TH ROUND PICK (92ND OVERALL)
Burnaby Winter Club U18 Prep (CSSHL U18)
20 Games – 11 Goals – 17 Assists – 28 Points