The 3rd overall pick from the 2022 WHL Bantam Draft has looked fantastic during his 11-game point streak.
Cole Reschny is showing the hockey world why he should be considered a top prospect heading into the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. After going pointless in his first three games of the season, the Victoria Royals forward is on an 11-game point streak and is just one of four rookies to have recorded a shorthand goal this year. So far, His play has been impressive from an individual perspective and a key reason behind the Royals' strong start to the season.
To show how valuable Reschny has been to the Royals, one must only look at their record when he records a point versus when he is held pointless. So far this season, he has recorded points in 12 of the 16 games he has played. During those games, the team is 8-3-1 and has a point percentage of .708. In games, he has not recorded a point or been out of the lineup; Victoria has a record of 4-5-0, which is a point percentage of .444. While the Royals have found ways to win when he doesn't register a point, their success rate when he does find the scoresheet speaks for itself.
Reschny's biggest strengths are his puckhandling skills and playmaking ability. He is already up to 13 assists this season, which is tied for third among rookies across the WHL. Here is a look at an assist versus Kelowna that demonstrates his ability to not just read the play but set up a goal.
After picking up the puck in the defensive zone, Reschny carries it all the way into the offensive zone as part of a two on two. As he makes his way past the blue line, he cuts to the middle and changes the angle to protect the puck from the defenders. He then holds onto the puck for long enough to get a second defender to engage with him, opening up space for Justin Kipkie, who beats Jake Pilon for the game-tying goal. This not only demonstrates his ability to protect the puck but also shows his vision in being able to detect an open teammate who is in a scoring position.
At just 16, Reschny is already proving to be one of the league's top young talents. He was fantastic alongside Gavin McKenna at the U-17s and has continued to show he can produce against older competition at the WHL level. He is a special player and one that should help the Royals qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2018-19.