Exciting News for Hockey Fans!

Big news is coming out of Grand Forks! Cole Reschny, a highly-coveted center from Macklin, Saskatchewan, is set to join the University of North Dakota (UND) hockey team for the upcoming season. This promising player has his eyes set on a first-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft.

A Season to Remember!

Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 187 pounds, Reschny had an incredible season with the Victoria Royals in the Western Hockey League (WHL), racking up 92 points in just 62 games, placing him ninth in league scoring. His performance in the playoffs was nothing short of spectacular, where he scored 25 points in 11 games!

The UND Connection!

Reschny shared that his commitment to UND came after thoughtful discussions with his family and agent. "Going to UND was the best decision," he expressed, emphasizing its role in preparing him for the NHL.

Having visited the campus earlier this month, he was impressed with the facilities and the coaching staff, including Dane Jackson and Dillon Simpson. "It felt like a great hockey environment, and that’s exactly where I want to be," he noted.

Future Aspirations!

As he gears up for the NHL Combine and prepares to be a potential top pick in the upcoming NHL Draft in Los Angeles, experts are taking notice. FloHockey's Chris Peters remarked on Reschny’s exceptional hockey sense and offensive skills, labeling him an upper-tier player in his draft class.

Reflecting on His Journey!

With a successful season behind him, Reschny reflects, "It was a big year for me, my draft year. Although it didn’t start off perfectly, I feel like I ended on a high note with my best hockey. I have unforgettable memories from my time in Victoria and I’m grateful for the experience."

What’s Next?

As he prepares for this next chapter, Reschny couldn’t be more excited. "I know they have a great group there at UND. I can’t wait to get started!" He is not the only prospect making waves; recently, UND also secured a commitment from Cooper Williams from the Saskatoon Blades, reflecting a growing trend of Canadian junior players transitioning to college hockey.

A New Era for Canadian Hockey!

This season marks a significant change, as it’s the first time in decades that Canadian major junior players are eligible for NCAA play—a rule change that has opened doors for talent like Reschny. He commented, "Seeing esteemed schools like UND and recognizing their rich history really made an impact on my decision."