The Victoria Royals have some large gaps to fill, as forward Cole Reschny and defenseman Keaton Verhoeff have announced their commitment to play at the University of North Dakota for the 2025-26 season.

Reschny, coming off an explosive sophomore season for the Royals, is projected to be a top 30 player in the 2025 NHL entry draft. The Macklin, Sask. native put up 26 goals and added 66 assists in just 62 games, while also going nuclear in the playoffs; in just 11 games, Reschny posted nine goals and 16 assists. 

On the back end, Verhoeff brings a large but smooth-moving frame. Set to turn 17 on June 19, the Royals rookie potted 21 goals (which broke a franchise recoord for goals by a defenceman) and collected 24 assists in 63 games.The Fort Saskatchewan, Alta. product also tallied five points in five games during the 2025 World U18 Championships, so North Dakota will be getting a big boost to their lineup come September.

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