Where good news shines

David Carle and Denver Pioneers hockey are riding a recruiting heater.

One of the top prospects in North America is going to play for the Pioneers in 2026-27. Daxon Rudolph, an 18-year-old defenseman from the Prince Albert (Saskatchewan) Raiders, will play his college hockey at DU, according to multiple media reports Wednesday.

Brad Elliott Schlossman, a noted reporter with Grand Forks (N.D.) Herald, was the first to report the commitment.

Rudolph is considered to be a likely first-round pick in the NHL draft on June 26-27, according to mock drafts. He had 78 points in 68 games with Prince Albert, including nine goals and 27 points in the playoffs while leading the Raiders into the Western Hockey League final.

Ryan Lin, another star defenseman in the WHL, previously committed to join the Pioneers. Lin, who plays for the Vancouver Giants, also is considered a first-round prospect for the upcoming NHL draft.

Denver has won three of the past five NCAA hockey national championships.

(“Colorado Sunshine” celebrates the good news in sports. Suggestions are encouraged through sports editor Paul Klee at [email protected].)