Credit: Wayne Beaton

By Marlon Martens

Royals Top Rookie Reflects & Looks Ahead

Reschny’s Record Setting Year

Apr 8, 2024 | 1:20 PM

Cole Reschny just completed the most impressive season by a 16 year old in Victoria Royals history.

The Macklin, Saskatchewan native almost scored at a point per game pace, with 59 in 61 games, which included 21 goals. His point totals as a freshman, far eclipsed the previous Royals record set by Tyler Soy who had 30 points.  Former Captain Matthew Phillips (76pts) never played as a 16 year old, and entered the league when he was 17, going on to win rookie of the year.

Reschny, who also led the club in shots on goal, is the Royals highest prospect draft selection at 3^rd overall, finished the season tied for 44^th in WHL history for points by a 16 year old player. He keeps good company as NHL Hall of Fame’s Mike Modano only had 3 more points with 62, while fellow National League players Jordan Eberle had 55, and Matthew Barzal put up 54.

High WHL draft picks generally are the byproduct of low point totals by the team, as the case with Victoria, who did not qualify for the post season over the past two years, yielding the 3^rd overall (Reschny) and 4^th (Keaton Verhoeff) in the following draft.

Bringing the post season back to the Island was a major motivating force for Reschny and the club, providing a building block for the future.

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“It was a big step for us, and the whole organization. Obviously playoffs hasn’t been in the picture for a while here and getting drafted by this team, it was a goal of mine to do that, especially my first year.” said Reschny to the media on locker room clean out day.

With a solid contingent of 19 year old skaters, and an imposing stock of defenceman slated to return for next season, the team is on a trajectory to do more than just make the post season. The Royals have 9 skaters eligible to be back in that age category, and for reference, the Winterhawks who were the second oldest team in the league, had 11.

“I think we can be really good, a team to beat in the years coming. We have a lot of skill coming up. We got a great group of guys, so I know we can do it within the next few years. It’s going to be tough, not going to be easy.

“We all have to buy in. It’s going to be a whole team effort and it’s going to be a process. It’s just coming here every day and wanting to get better, wanting to be the best, wanting to win.”

Reschny has always been a winner, driven by his very competitive nature, even when playing cards or board games with family members, he needs to win, and that will has earned him some mighty accolades along the way.

Last spring, he was named the top forward and a tournament all-star at Telus Cup Western Regionals, with 8 points in 4 games. He was part of the Silver medal win for Team Saskatchewan at the Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island.

Not only was he named rookie of the year and a first team all-star in the SMAAAHL, Reschny earned rookie of the year honours for the Canadian U18 AAA hockey leagues.

Needless to say, the sweep at the hands of the ‘Hawks cut deep.

“I hate losing. I think everyone does in this room, so it’s going to be a culture of a big group for us to take the load and push this team to the next step.”

Taking the Blazers deep last spring brought valuable lessons and experience for Reschny to draw in on, however the WHL is another beast.

“You’re playing against men. It’s those 19 and 20 year olds for me.”

The season didn’t start out that way for him, centering the third line and being placed into positions to succeed, as is customary for any freshman in the league. Come November he went off to the U17’s, and returned to win the WHL’s Rookie of the Month for November.

However once the clubs top centerman in Robin Sapousek was lost to injury at the World Juniors in December, never to return, Reschny was elevated up the line up and had to face other teams veteran and top players.

“Losing Sapousek during World Juniors was tough for me, having to take the load as a top center. And then after we lost him, I was getting pretty tough match-ups. Especially in the playoffs against a team that’s always in your face, always on you, it’s tough but I learned from it and adjusted well to it.”

Impressive for the 5’9, 161 pound rookie to be thrust into such a role and hang with the big boys, often taking draws against Detroit Red Wings top 10 pick Nate Danielson on the Winterhawks.

“He’s a very fast center man. He uses the speed very well and he’s great in the draw. I learned a few tricks from him, taking a lot of draws and it was tough and guys like him and Gabe Klassen, it’s tough to be in the circle, but I just do my best and adjust to what they were doing.

“I tried to use my skill a bit more, just play faster, play a little bit more simple. I think it’s going to help me in the long run.”

Reschny really shone in game two in Portland, leading the team in shots with 6, was stopped on a breakaway, and also hit a crossbar. Much was discussed about how one of those chances in the game could’ve swung the outcome.

“I think we could have easily snuck two of those games out of the four that we had in this series.” said the clubs Rookie of the Year,

“A few bounces can be the difference. I had quite a few chances that game that I just couldn’t finish. I wasn’t satisfied with my play, I was happy but not satisfied. You can never be satisfied as that’s when you’re beat.”

Next season Reschny will be without his two wingers, as both Dawson Pasternak and Tyson Laventure aged out of the league. Pasternak has been especially instrumental for him, as Reschny’s season really took off after the club acquired him back in early October, kicking off a 14 game point streak.

“It’s going to be tough, and going to be different.” admitted Reschny,

“Pasternak was a huge part of my success this year. He taught me the ways, showed me the ropes. My first year, coming in pretty early he helped me succeed. I don’t do much of that without him. He’s an unreal guy, and I learned a lot of things from him.”

Barring any trades, the club will have to lean on younger players taking another step to help fill the offensive void.

“I just have to adjust to whoever comes in, or whomever I’m playing with next year and work with them.”

Next season is a big one for him, entering this NHL draft year and will be accommodated with a lot of noise from the outside from social media and scouts alike.

“It’s in the back of my mind, heading into one of the biggest years of my career. It’s going to be a huge year for me. However, I’ll try and keep all that out of sight and just keep doing what I need to do for the team and this organization to win, and showcase my skill.”

The offseason will take Reschny to Wainwright, Saskatchewan, an hour’s drive from his hometown, to work out with the WHL’s scoring champion Jagger Firkus, and former WHL star Connor McClennon, with the Winnipeg Ice.

“It’s going to be a huge summer for me, maybe the biggest one so far. Next year is a big year for me, I’m looking forward to it, I’m excited and embracing it all.”

After an impressive start to his WHL career, one can only wonder what Victoria’s virtuoso has in store for an encore.