This story was originally published on Hockey Mountain High, part of the Mile High Sports network.

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While the Colorado Avalanche weren’t busy on the first night of the NHL Draft, their collegiate counterpart down the road was. The University of Denver Pioneers had its highest-ever draft pick in program history.

Daxon Rudolph

The achievement came in the first round on Friday night when Daxon Rudolph was drafted fourth overall. He was the highest defenseman picked in the draft, going to the hosting Buffalo Sabres.


“Yeah, I didn’t actually speak with them at the Combine,” Rudolph said. “I then spoke with them this morning, so that kind of was my interview with them and their staff. I kind of realized it could be a possibility I’d be selected.”

Rudolph’s drafting at fourth overall also made him the highest ever draft pick in Denver Pioneers history. Considering the prestige and history with the Pios, Rudolph’s pick is one to remember for Sabres and Pioneers fans.

The University of Denver is coming off another spectacular season, which ended in a record 11th national championship. Rudolph will head into his freshman season roaring to go with a chance to get another chip.


“Yeah, I think just competing against their guys every day, having that healthy competition, and pushing each other to be better is what I’m most excited for,” Rudolph said. “Obviously, playing for their coaching staff as well, with the winning pedigree there, really excites me. It’s something I’m really looking forward to joining.”

David Carle will have his new 6-foot-3 right-shot defender coming off a phenomenal year in the WHL. The Prince Albert Raiders made it to the championship behind Rudolph’s 28 goals and 50 assists in 68 regular-season games.

In the postseason, his play only excelled further with nine goals and 18 assists in 19 games. Carle will be thrilled to have a historic draft pick joining his blue line.

Ryan Lin

Meanwhile, another incoming freshman for the Pios picked at the KeyBank Center was Ryan Lin. Another defender entering the fray in the Mile High City was drafted by the San Jose Sharks 21st overall.

Lin is also a right-handed defender, entering college at just 17 years old. His own WHL season with the Vancouver Giants saw him put up 57 points in 53 games, made up of 14 goals and 43 assists. Now, he’ll take his talents to the NCAA level.


“I just wanted to challenge myself with older, stronger guys, and better competition,” Lin said. “I want to succeed there, and Denver was the spot for me. With the coaching staff and the culture, you have a chance to win every year going there.”

Lin’s selection by the Sharks makes it the first time in program history that DU has had multiple first-round picks on its roster. Lin will join Rudolph on the blue line to help Carle strengthen his defense even further.

With the Sharks playing in the Western Conference, he might just get a chance to see his future team play the Avalanche without having to go too far as well. His time watching games at Ball Arena might just help him and his game at the University of Denver.

“Yeah, I hope so. Those are two exciting teams, so I’d love to go to that game,” Lin said. “I’ve just heard so many good things about Denver, and I can’t wait to get there and meet the guys who just won, and they seem to have a great group. Hopefully, I can integrate into that and help the team win this year as well.”

 

“I think my offense I can work on,” Lin said. “You look at their team the last couple of years with guys like Buckberger and Buium, they’re obviously doing something right there. I want to be the next guy like that to come out of there.”

What’s next?

The Avalanche have the Pioneers to thank for keeping Colorado fans checked in during the first round of the NHL Draft. Meanwhile, at the NHL level, the Avalanche will be keen to get going on Saturday.

The Avs will have up to 10 picks in rounds two through seven, starting in the second round with the 43rd overall pick. Whether or not they use all 10 chances to draft someone is up to the front office, led by Joe Sakic.