BY Jonathan Huntington
SASKATOON – Cole Reschny has never been scared to make a big decision – and his record for making the right decision is pretty darn good.
After making the high-profile decision to leave the WHL this fall for the NCAA, Reschny has parlayed his 16 games at the University of North Dakota into a training camp invite for the Canadian World Junior Team.
“I received a call yesterday from Alan Millar, the GM of Team Canada,” said Reschny tonight from North Dakota. “It’s pretty special, but there is still work to do (to make the team).”
The former Saskatoon Blazer is one of 27 players invited to the camp. He leaves Thursday to start the journey to hopefully playing for Team Canada on Boxing Day in Minneapolis.
From Macklin, SK, Reschny has made two key hockey decisions in the last four years – and both have been correct.
In 2022, he made the call to join the Saskatoon Blazers after playing in the CSSHL in Alberta. That decision led to a spectacular year in the SMAAAHL with 65 points in 34 regular-season games. “That was a special year for me,” remembered Reschny.
“I chose to go to Saskatoon for the big reason to get ready to play for Victoria in the WHL. A big thanks to goes to Cole Shepherd (the GM), Scott Scissons and Troy Walkington. A big part of it was playing against good and strong players in that league.”
After one year with the Blazers, Reschny had back-to-back 20+ goal seasons for the Victoria Royals and was selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL draft by the Calgary Flames.
But, once again, Reschny didn’t sit still and take the easy road. He made the next big decision to leave his comfortable spot in the WHL for the University of North Dakota in the NCAA.
“It’s a whole new world,” he quipped. “It’s tough. I am playing against older players who are bigger and stronger. But I am glad I made the decision.”
After 16 games in his freshman season, he has 18 points for the #4 ranked NCAA Division 1 team. Playing against older, strong competition should have him ready for Team Canada training camp.
“It’s the best time of the year,” said Reschny.
