Rudolfs Berzkalns, the six-foot-four, 205-pound centre selected 58th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2026 NHL Draft, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his hockey dream since moving from Latvia to the United States at age 13. His journey highlights a relentless drive that impressed the Oilers' scouting staff.
Early Move to North America
Berzkalns left Latvia during the COVID-19 pandemic when local hockey was in lockdown. "It was such a good opportunity because of COVID in Latvia," he said after a workout at Oilers development camp. "There would be practices with like five players on the ice, no games played. I always wanted to come over to the U.S. and develop here, so that was an easy decision for me."
He initially lived in an apartment with two other Latvian kids, with parents rotating supervision every two months. "The first year I came over with two other Latvian kids. We stayed in an apartment and one of our parents would look over us for two months, and then they would switch and somebody else's parent would come over," Berzkalns recalled.
Overcoming Homesickness and Language Barriers
After the first year, Berzkalns moved into school dorms and later billeted with a family when he joined the USHL's Muskegon Lumberjacks. The second and third years were the toughest emotionally. "My first year I didn't really realize what it was to be away, to be honest. The second and third year were the hardest as I got more mature and realized just how important family and friends are. I just missed them. I didn't get to go home over Christmas and things like that," he said.
He also learned English from scratch, starting with basic understanding and progressing to fluency with an American accent. "When I came here I could understand a little bit of it but I couldn't hold a conversation. I couldn't put the words together. It helps a lot when you're around people who speak it all the time. And I went to an American school, so it was just kind of easy to pick it up," Berzkalns explained.
On-Ice Progress in the USHL
His first season in the USHL at age 17 produced five goals and three assists against older competition. He made a significant leap in his second year, recording 10 points in 16 Clark Cup playoff games and scoring two power-play goals in the deciding game of the Eastern Conference final. This performance solidified his draft stock and showcased his offensive potential.
Commitment to the Oilers' Future
Berzkalns' journey reflects a deep commitment to hockey. "It's always been about the hockey for me," he stated. Now entering his fifth year in the U.S., he has finished high school and is focused on developing further within the Oilers organization. His size, skill, and drive make him a promising prospect for Edmonton's future centre depth.
