For Calgary Flames prospect Cole Reschny, the invitation to Canada's world junior selection camp was a dream come true, but the hard work is just beginning. The 18-year-old centre from Macklin, Saskatchewan, is now in a fierce competition to secure one of the final forward spots on the national team ahead of the prestigious tournament.
A Dream Phone Call and a Clear Message
The call informing Reschny of his camp invitation was brief and to the point. "It was short and sweet," Reschny recalled. "It was just, 'Congratulations. Obviously, you've been identified as one of the top players in our country, but there's still some work to do.'" That work intensified this week as the camp opened in Niagara Falls, Ontario, with exhibition games serving as the ultimate audition. The first test was a matchup against Sweden on Wednesday.
Proving His Worth on the Ice
With Canada needing to trim two forwards from its camp roster, Reschny is leaving nothing to chance. The standout freshman from the University of North Dakota, who is averaging an impressive 1.13 points per game in the NCAA, is showcasing his versatile skill set. He has been spotted practising on a top power-play unit alongside fellow Flames prospect Zayne Parekh and highly-touted forward Gavin McKenna, a sign of the coaching staff's interest in his offensive capabilities.
During Tuesday's session, Reschny was centring a line with Braeden Cootes and Carter Bear, demonstrating his ability to slot into a middle-six role. His two-way game and willingness to handle defensive responsibilities could be a significant asset in his quest to make the final cut.
A Lifelong Goal Within Reach
For Reschny, the chance to wear the Maple Leaf at the world juniors is the culmination of a childhood fantasy. "It's something I've kind of strived for my whole life," he said. "You grow up as a young kid in Canada, you watch the world juniors every Christmas and dream of playing in it one day." He described the current opportunity as "almost surreal," reflecting on the legendary Canadian teams and players that have inspired him.
Flames fans are eagerly watching his progress, hopeful that their organization's first-round pick from the 2024 NHL Draft can earn a spot and gain invaluable experience. Reschny's performance at camp not only impacts his immediate future with Team Canada but also fuels optimism about his potential to become a future top-six centre for Calgary. His mission now is clear: prove he belongs among Canada's best under-20 players and avoid being one of the final two forwards sent home.
