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This week has been eventful for Victoria Royals star forward Cole Reschny, who was named to represent the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) in the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge.
Reschny currently leads the Royals with 15 points, including three goals and 12 assists, over ten games this season.
The 5’10”, 187 lb forward from Macklin, Saskatchewan, is in his second full season with the Royals. During his rookie campaign in 2023-24, he recorded 21 goals and 38 assists for a total of 59 points in 61 games.
The inaugural CHL USA Prospects Challenge will feature two games: the first on November 26th at Canada Life Place in London, Ontario, followed by the second on November 27th at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa, Ontario.
The event will showcase first-year NHL Draft-eligible prospects from the CHL’s member leagues (WHL, OHL, and QMJHL) competing against USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.
Reschny is among 22 players selected for Team CHL, chosen from a list of top 2025 NHL Draft prospects generated by a survey conducted with all 32 NHL clubs.
The coaching staff, led by head coach Kris Mallette of the Kelowna Rockets, along with assistant coaches Gordie Dwyer (Acadie-Bathurst Titan) and Ryan Oulahen (North Bay Battalion), and general manager Dave Brown (Erie Otters), carefully identified the final roster, which includes 13 forwards, seven defensemen, and two goaltenders.
In a related development, 55 WHL players were named to NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary players to watch list for the 2025 NHL Draft. Reschny earned an ‘A’ rating, indicating he is considered a potential first-round candidate.
The rating system includes ‘B’ for second- or third-round prospects, ‘C’ for fourth- or fifth-round picks, and ‘W’ for players likely to be drafted in the sixth or seventh round. Injured players are marked with an ‘LV’ (Limited Viewing) tag.
The preliminary rankings feature players from 21 WHL clubs, with the Calgary Hitmen and Spokane Chiefs each having five listed prospects. The Vancouver Giants and Victoria Royals follow closely, with four players each.
NEWS: Cole Reschny (A), Jayden Kraus (C), Spencer Michnik (W) and Caleb Matthews (W) have been ranked on NHL Central Scouting’s Preliminary Players to Watch List for the 2025 NHL Draft. pic.twitter.com/bAzcTuZwyt
— Victoria Royals (@victoriaroyals) October 23, 2024
In addition to Reschny, Royals teammates Jayden Kraus (C), Spencer Michnik (W), and Caleb Matthews (W) have also been recognized on the NHL Central Scouting’s Preliminary Players to Watch List.
Currently on the road, the Royals faced a 6-3 defeat against the Kamloops Blazers on Tuesday night. Despite the loss, they remain in fourth place in the WHL’s Western Conference, while the Blazers occupy the eighth spot.
They will face off against the Kelowna Rockets tonight before playing back-to-back games against the Prince George Cougars.
The next home game is scheduled for Friday, November 1, grab your tickets here.
