Reschny is the most complete player in Calgary’s forward pipeline and the one with the highest floor. He led all NCHC freshmen in points this season at North Dakota, and the World Juniors appearance only strengthened the case – he was a go-to on the power play by the medal round and projects as a featured player on next year’s squad. The profile is a cerebral, two-way center who links zones, wins battles below the dots, and creates offense through positioning and patience rather than speed. That last word is where the dynasty ceiling conversation gets complicated. Multiple evaluators have flagged that his top-end foot speed is average, and the 5-11 frame means he’ll need to beat NHL players with his mind rather than his legs at the next level. An Anton Lundell comparison is fair stylistically – and Lundell has carved out a real NHL role – but Lundell also had more physical presence than Reschny currently projects. In fantasy, the assist-heavy production discounts slightly versus Potter’s goal rate, but the two-way upside and faceoff projection make him the safer long-term hold of the two.

USA Offense Explodes in 7-2 Victory Over Canada

Minutes later, following a dominant shift that included a breakaway attempt, Cole Reschny was rewarded when his shot deflected off teammate Dima Zhilkin and in to give Canada a 2-1 lead.

Then the USA rallied back, scoring 4 unanswered goals to close out the second period. Ethan Wyttenbach potted 2 back-to-back goals in tight, one of which was on the power play. Then Sean Barnhill scored from long distance on a seeing-eye shot before Brooks Rogowski showed off his speed going end to end and blasting one blocker side to beat Lukas Beckman.

The Americans didn’t slow down in the third. Wyatt Cullen picked up the period’s opening goal when a broken-up 2-on-1 pass bounced right back onto his stick. Blake Fiddler then capped off the scoring following an extended sequence of zone pressure in the Canadian end.

Team USA closed out the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase with an emphatic 7-2 victory over Canada.

Both teams will now shift their focus to Edmonton and Red Deer, where they’ll look to carry this momentum onto the podium in search of gold.

Carter Sanderson – Brooks Rogowski – Mason West (USA)

What’s the quote again? “All for one and one for all?” In all seriousness, what a standout performance from this entire unit. Setting the tone from the opening puck drop, they were physical, skilled, and relentless, helping Team USA find its offensive groove in the second period. The trio combined for five points while wearing down the Canadian defence all night.

Mikey Berchild – Wyatt Cullen – Ethan Wyttenbach (USA)

Again. This entire line has been exceptional all tournament long. While it remains to be seen if coaching keeps them together come December, this showcase proved the Americans have a legitimate top line capable of doing serious damage. Combining for another eight points tonight, they made a compelling case to stay intact for the main event.

Cole Reschny (Canada | Calgary Flames)

One of the few highlights for Canada, Reschny flashed his high-end skill during a dominant second-period shift, one of the best of the entire tournament. He split the defenders with speed to create a prime scoring opportunity before picking up an assist 30 seconds later, shooting it off Zhilkin and in. Reschny will need to be a major presence if Canada wants to succeed in Edmonton.

Doing it the ‘Canadian Way’ in Comeback Win Against Finland

Canada, championing their motto to return to the “old Canadian style,” did exactly that. They rallied back with three goals in the final five minutes of the second period, including two in the last minute alone. Dima Zhilkin led the charge with two breakaway goals, before Keaton Verhoeff buried a one-timer off a pass from Cole Reschny with just 14 seconds left.

Caleb Desnoyers kicked off the third-period scoring by jamming a puck in on the power play during a scramble in the crease. Minutes later, Jackson Smith unleashed a screened shot from the point to extend Canada’s lead to 5-3. Finland mounted a late push, but with Lacelle locked in, the comeback effort came too late to stop Canada from sealing the victory.

Extra Time:

In accordance with the Showcase format, both teams agreed to play an additional overtime period and shootout regardless of the regulation score.

It was a slow overtime period with Finland dominating all of the possession. Vertti Svensk was the OT hero, scoring one just over the left pad of Lacelle.

The shootout ended 3-1 in favour of Canada across 5 shooters. Desnoyers, Reschny, and Tynan Lawrence all scored for Canada, with Somervuori being the only goal scorer for Finland.

Both teams will enjoy a day off tomorrow before the final day of Showcase action on Saturday, where Finland takes on Sweden, and Canada will take on Team USA.

F Cole Reschny (CAN | Calgary Flames)

This was a completely different Cole Reschny than the one on display at last year’s World Juniors. Sitting out the first game against Sweden, I was interested to see what Reschny would provide for this Canadian team, but he was excellent tonight. He generated numerous high-quality chances, assisting on both Zhilkin and Verhoeff’s goals as well. His physical presence stood out as well, using strong positioning to separate body from puck and delivering several heavy hits. He had the best game of anyone on Day 4 and will be a must-watch player in Canada’s game against Team USA.

Weekly Draft Eligible Three Stars: The Goalie Edition

The United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) product was excellent in the first inaugural USNTDP vs. Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Prospect Challenge in November 2024. After the US was pounded 6-1 in the first game, with current Sarnia Sting goalie Patrick Quinlan struggling against the high-flying offense of Team CHL, Boettinger got the start in game two. He was sensational, with 35 saves and a .921 save percentage, and almost got the game to overtime but lost 3-2 with a last-minute goal by Calgary Flames prospect Cole Reschny.

Calgary gets a cerebral, meticulous playmaker in Cole Reschny with their first selection in the first round. Reschny scored 26 goals and posted 66 assists for 92 points in 62 WHL games. He is a subtle force driving play, opportunistic in the way he constantly facilitates in tight spaces. Due to his intelligent and skilled play, Reschny is a reliable defensive forward despite his 5-11 frame. He provides positive value on both special teams. Reschny has committed to the University of North Dakota of the NCAA for the 2025–26 season and should get a chance to challenge himself further – this time against men.

Selected 18th overall, Cole Reschny is now a member of the Calgary Flames.

Reschny, along with teammate and projected top 2026 prospect Keaton Verhoeff, has committed to the University of North Dakota for 2025/26

One of the flashiest players in this draft, Cole Reschny has had a couple of eye-popping scoring streaks that have constantly kept him as one of the top point producers in the WHL. Despite this, Reschny is still a fairly streaky player who can go from hot to cold in games. Reschny has been trusted upon in multiple situations for Victoria, capable as a PP and PK option. His most positive asset is his playmaking ability. Reschny is a smart and aware passer with strong pass accuracy who impresses with his high scanning habits and ability to create in tight spaces.

Cole Reschny is a highly skilled 5-10 centre who has put together a solid WHL career so far with his playmaking, offensive instincts, and motor. While he’s not the strongest player physically, Reschny is effective at driving play on-puck, with a mechanically-sound skating base, smooth hands, and the ability to manufacture offence for both himself and his Victoria teammates. Reschny’s offensive game revolves around finesse, passing ability, and vision. His strong lower half allows him to create off the cycle and spin off contact down low. He’s displayed a great motor in all 3 zones, but the overall strength is concerning to his projectability. As his size suggests, he loses a big share of physical battles along the boards and isn’t reliable in defensive situations. Still, Reschny possesses top-six upside due to his offensive involvement and play driving tendencies. He could become a solid complementary scorer at the next level, similar to players like Seth Jarvis or Jordan Eberle. Strength development and defensive maturity will be crucial for his development.–

DRAFTPRO – 2023 FALL INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT REVIEW

#7 Cole Reschny, F, Canada Red, L, 5’9”, 161, DOB 4.6.2007 Reschny has elite level skill. He is a speedy forward who can use his speed to separate himself from checkers. Reschny is an offensive dynamo with a ton of skill and talent. He has high end vision and sees the ice so well that he can find lanes that most don’t even think to look for. Reschny finds the puck and open spaces on the ice. He is a very good powerplay player as he is continuously moving and always dangerous. Reschny can be knocked down and he continues on with the play and doesn’t give up. He has an incredible ability to finish off plays. Reschny has the ability to put the puck on a dime and lay it flat for the recipient. He is an electric player who is a difference maker who will become an NHL regular and make an impact on his team. Reschny will likely be a first round selection or early second rounder. – Andy Miller

Final Rankings – Cole Reschny ended his draft year in roaring fashion, dominating both the WHL playoffs with Victoria and the U18s with Team Canada. The centre makes up for his lack of size with scoring instincts and intensity in his approach. He’ll be at NCAA North Dakota in the fall, a great move for his development.—Whittaker Heart

For a player who is not very big, Reschny does show some chops as a physical asset. He is willing to play dirty for pucks and can be a rough forechecker. He’s also quite mentally aware in his own end but can be a bit too focused on puck watching. He looks more of a boom-or-bust player than fellow undersized B-tier prospects Potter & Kindel, and he doesn’t have the same high-end toolkit the other two possess although he’s a bit more detailed oriented. He has the tools but lacks a standout trait. –