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The third overall pick in the 2022 WHL Draft, Cole Reschny, has put up big numbers for the WHL’s Victoria Royals. In 2023-24 he scored 21 goals and 59 points in 61 games. He also added a goal and an assist in four playoff games. Reschny played for Team Canada Red at the Under-17s, where he stood out with three goals and eight points in seven games.
Reschny was even stronger this season. He started with three goals and seven points in five games at the Hlinka, winning gold. This led to a strong WHL campaign. Reschny put up 26 goals and 92 points in 62 games. He took his game up another notch in the playoffs with nine goals and 25 points in 11 games. Reschny again joined Team Canada. He put up five goals and eight points in five games, winning a gold medal. He was also named a top-three player on the team.
Cole Reschny NHL Draft Scouting Report
Center — shoots Left
Born April 6th, 2007 — Macklin, Saskatchewan, Canada
Height 5’11” — Weight 183 lbs [180 cm/83 kg]
Skating
Reschny’s skating improved over the past season, but is still very much a work in progress. His first step and acceleration need some work. He can make slick moves and get past a defender, but he still has trouble pulling away once there is open ice. Reschny’s top speed is merely average as well. He could also work on his edgework and agility. Reschny loves to make cuts and move horizontally to open up shooting and passing lanes, but lacks the explosiveness to really do so effectively. This can sometimes result in him skating into poor areas.
Reschny has a strong lower body and low centre of balance, though. This helps him with his balance. He can protect the puck down low and works well in the cycle game. His balance and strength also help him to be effective in board battles and in front of the net. He is willing to fight through traffic and get to the dirty areas of the ice. This should only improve as he adds weight to his frame.
Offensive Game
Cole Reschny is one of the best playmakers in the draft. He shows high-end hockey IQ, making smart plays with as well as without the puck. He anticipates the movements of teammates and defenders and can find an open man with a tape-to-tape pass. His quick hands allow him to make a quick move to open up passing lanes. He is also willing to make passes others won’t try, such as moving the puck against the flow of the play, or making a behind-the-back pass to a teammate. He is extremely creative in his passing attempts. Reschny also has the vision to see plays as they come open. He does a good job of controlling the puck down low, buying time for his teammates to get open.
Reschny is also an effective goal scorer. His wrist shot has power as well as accuracy. He gets it off with a quick release that can fool goaltenders. Reschny often makes a quick toe-drag prior to shooting, changing the angle of release and making it even more deceptive. He can also score in close to the net, with his quick hands deking goalies. Reschny can also score a deflection, pounce on a rebound, or put in a quick one-timer. His intelligence is also seen in the way he finds open ice and gets himself in good position for a pass from a linemate.
Defensive Game
Reschny’s hockey IQ is also seen in the defensive end of the ice. He supports the defence down low against the cycle and brings effective back pressure against the rush. Reschny gets into good positions, forcing attackers to the outside and into poor shooting areas. He keeps himself between his man and the net, and uses his quick stick to poke-check an opponent or to intercept a pass. Once a turnover is created, he is quick to move the puck up the ice and start the transition game. He could stand to get stronger though. There are times when he struggles to contain bigger and stronger opponents on the cycle.
Projection and Comparison
Reschny is committed to the University of North Dakota next season. This is a smart move as the lighter schedule will give him time to add muscle in the gym and work on becoming more explosive in his skating. He is a bit of a work in progress, but his high-end hockey IQ and playmaking ability could make him an effective forward at the NHL level. He will need some time, but his two-way game will make him a coach’s favourite. Reschny could develop into an effective two-way, middle-six centre. His game is reminiscent of Anton Lundell. However, this is a stylistic comparison only, and not one based on skill or ability.
Main photo by: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
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