(Image Credit: Kelowna Rockets)
Madden Daneault is officially WHL bound

High-scoring prospect signs with Rockets

May 16, 2026 | 12:38 PM

Kelowna Rockets media release:

The Kelowna Rockets have signed Madden Daneault to a WHL Scholarship & Development Agreement. The Rockets selected Daneault first overall in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft.

 The 15-year-old forward from Red Deer, Alberta, spent the 2025–26 season with the Red Deer Rebels U15 AAA of the AEHL, where he served as the team’s captain and led the league in goals (65), assists (84), and points (149) in only 34 regular-season games. He added 22 points (11G, 11A) over nine playoff contests. Daneault also appeared in three games with the Red Deer Chiefs U18 AAA, recording two goals and four assists for six points.

Regan’s Take: The 15-year-old forward arrives with elite offensive instincts, high-end hockey sense and a resume packed with MVP honours. The Rockets believe they’ve added a player capable of changing games offensively, and there’s obvious excitement around what Daneault could eventually become in Kelowna. For a team preparing to host the 2026 Memorial Cup, securing the commitment of their first overall pick matters. On paper, this has the potential to become one of the most important prospect signings the Rockets have had in years. It’s a significant signing for a franchise looking to build momentum toward the Memorial Cup, and this is the type of player fans will be watching closely from day one.

The 5’11”, 172-pound right-shot forward earned AEHL U15 First All-Star Team honours in both 2024–25 and 2025–26, along with back-to-back John Reid Memorial MVP awards. He was part of the AEHL U15 championship team in 2024–25 and was named Playoff MVP that year as well.

“Madden is an exceptional player. He is highly skilled, competitive, and the kind of kid who makes everyone around him better,” said President & General Manager Bruce Hamilton. “Those qualities were on display all season and they’re exactly what you look for when you’re selecting first overall. We’re very pleased to have him signed and we look forward to watching him develop within our program.”

The Rockets would like to welcome Madden and the Daneault family to Kelowna.

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