Moments after the Calgary Flames selected Victoria Royals centre Cole Reschny in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft, the Sportsnet broadcast revealed his horrible, horrible secret.

The product of Macklin, Saskatchewan grew up as an Oilers fan. Naturally, this was addressed during his first (virtual) visit with the Calgary media.

“My family [were] Oilers [fans] when I came along, it just kind of was in me to be an Oilers fan,” said Reschny. “I grew up rooting for them my whole life up until now. And I’m very excited to be part of [the Battle of Alberta]. Whether being on this side or the other side, I’m very excited to be on this side and kind of bring what I can bring to the table for the Flames here.”

While the 1,200-or-so residents of Macklin rush to hide any traces of blue and orange in his hometown, Reschny joins the Flames in a position of need (centre) coming off a 92-point regular season with the Royals. He added another 25 points in 11 playoff games. Reschny outlined his game for those unfamiliar with him.

“I’m a strong 200-foot centreman,” said Reschny. “I think I play both ends of the ice very well. I have that offensive ability with the way I think the game. My passing ability and scoring ability is very elite too. I think I really embrace that centerman role. Play that hard game in the dot too, winning draws and I think I see myself as a leader too. So, there’s a few aspects, but I think it’s just that solid 200-foot game that’s the biggest.”

Flames general manager Craig Conroy discussed what the club saw in Reschny’s game.

“You know the one thing with Cole, he brings the skill, hockey sense, that competitive drive,” said Conroy. “As his year even went along he just got better and when it got to the crucial points in the playoffs, he was unbelievable. And then I was over at the U-18s when he got there and to come in a little late and to be one of the top players for Canada over there, it just seems like his game is evolving and getting better.”

“So when you’re looking for a centre, and the one thing I think people talk about is offensive play, but it’s his D zone play that really impresses me too. I mean I think it’s going to get under valued a little bit because of all the offence, but he can play at both ends and super competitive. Not the biggest guy, but a guy that you can win with.”

After two productive seasons with the Royals, Reschny was one of the most high-profile members of the 2025 draft class to make the choice to move onto the NCAA for the 2025-26 season. Reschny will be joining 2023 Flames draft choice Cade Littler at the University of North Dakota, and discussed how he came to make that choice.

“A lot went into that decision, it was an extremely tough decision for me and my family, too,” said Reschny. “I looked at both routes and I just felt like going to North Dakota, giving my body and mind the right time to develop and work on both sides of my game. Being in the gym more, being able to recover more, being able to get the right nutrition in me was a big part of it. And it was so tough just because I’ve had two amazing years in Victoria and I can’t thank them enough for that.”

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