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Oilers prospect Rudolfs Berzkalns named captain of USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks

Edmonton Oilers prospect Rudolfs Berzkalns

Photo credit: Steven Ellis/The Nation Network

By Zach Laing

Sep 5, 2026, 15:00 EDTUpdated: Sep 5, 2026, 15:05 EDT

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The Edmonton Oilers’ top pick from the 2026 NHL draft has been named captain of his USHL team.

Rudolfs Berzkalns, whom the team selected 58th overall, will wear a ‘C’ for the Muskegon Lumberjacks this season.

“Rudy’s earned this,” Lumberjacks head coach Colten St. Clair said in a statement. “He’s won a Clark Cup, been to a second Finals, developed into an NHL Draft pick, and matured into a leader during his time in Muskegon. Most importantly, he’s been here, has built great relationships throughout the organization, and understands what it means to be a Lumberjack and the expectations that come with it.”

Berzkalns, 18, is entering his third season in Michigan, having scored 13 goals and 25 points in 48 games last season. He represented his home country, Latvia, at the World Juniors last year, scoring a goal in five games.

“This means a lot to me,” said Berzkalns. “Being here for a couple of years and building great relationships with all of the staff, coaches, and front office, this is a true honour for me.

“Obviously the goal is another deep run in the playoffs, but I think we have to get there first. Anything can happen. You saw what happened last year with the fifth and sixth seeds playing in the Conference Final. At the end, the goal is another Clark Cup, and that’s what we’re working towards here.”

The 6-foot-4, 203 lb. is someone who projects more as a bottom-six player than a top-six staple, but was lauded by Daily Faceoff prospect guru Steven Ellis as an overpowering player.

“Multiple players called him extremely difficult to play against,” wrote Ellis. “The Boston College commit is a big, 6-foot-4 centre who played some good two-way hockey at the World Juniors.

“He isn’t flashy and likely won’t be a big-time producer in the NHL, but he plays with a ton of muscle and took over shifts in ways very few bigger forwards were capable of this year in the USHL. I like him as a bottom-six forward – I think he understands the defensive game well enough to be a solid player. He just… scares opponents in a way very few guys can at this age. I love him.”

The Lumberjacks’ pre-season kicks off Saturday, with their regular season beginning Sept. 16.

Zach Laing is Daily Faceoff Edmonton’s managing editor and The Nation Network’s news director. He can be followed on X at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach.laing@bettercollective.com.

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