Mook said his son has come a long way in such a short time.
"He first started woodchopping as a kid on the wood heap with his brother Lance. He's competed in some boys' chops then two years ago aged 14, he decided to take it more seriously and started competing in the open men's events." The proud dad said he wasn't surprised his son took up the axe.
"Axel comes from a close and strong whanau environment and tikanga-based background when it comes to Te Ngahere o Tane [the forest of Tane]," Mook said.
"Our whanau have worked and lived off the forest for generations and he has been brought up learning [the] tikanga associated with [wood]."
This season, the youngster had travelled three times to Australia, Mook said.
International competition has meant the Rotorua Boys' High School student has had to adapt to the conditions. "The Australian species of wood are largely hardwoods and require different axes and techniques."
Axel's last competition was in Sydney a few weeks ago, when he put in some strong performances, his father said.
"Showing he has the potential to represent his country and was chosen on merit and performances along with other team members."
Mook should know. He has captained and represented New Zealand teams for 12 years. He is a former president and member of the Rotorua Axemen's Club.
Axel joins a long line of Hohnecks who have competed for New Zealand, his two older cousins Kas and Michael have chopped for the under-21 New Zealand team and his uncles Doug and Kas (senior) were in the open men's team.
Mook said Axel's proudest supporter was his 87-year-old grandfather Doug Hohneck (senior) who reckons the youngster has "what it takes to be a champion".
Axel's not just handy with an axe - the Hohneck name is well known in rugby circles and it turns out he's pretty handy with the oval ball.
In fact the Rotorua Daily Post were unable to talk to the youngster because despite it being school holidays, Axel had headed to Wellington for a week with his school's 1st XV.
