While Zayne Parekh continues to hog headlines at the 2026 World Junior tournament, fellow Flames prospect Cole Reschny has also carved out an important role for Team Canada and has played his brand of hockey to a tee.

Considering the always-abundant star power on the Canadian squad, it’s normally incredibly difficult to stand out, but Reschny has done just that by staying true to his dependable style of play.

The Macklin, Saskatchewan, native has done all of the things that make him a complete player while anchoring Canada’s bottom-six forward group, beginning with his work at the face-off dot. He’s won more draws (17) than any other Canadian forward, operating at a healthy 65% clip.

His efficiency at the dot has granted him a primary special teams role as Canada’s go-to centreman in penalty kill and power-play situations. His most notable special teams contributions came in Canada’s duel with Latvia. Reschny played a key role in staving off the Latvian’s four-minute power play in the second period, he was on the ice for half the kill and was superb at the dot throughout. With the man-advantage, Reschny potted Canada’s lone regulation goal in the middle-frame and won the draw that led to the game-winner 43 seconds into overtime.

Through three games, it’s evident that Reschny has endeared himself to Canadian head coach Dale Hunter, who sends him over the boards routinely in high-leverage situations.

The details of Reschny’s game have been as-advertised in this tournament. He’s positionally sound at both ends of the ice and is particularly good at screening goaltenders, consistently parking himself in front of the net as an unsung contributor on many of Canada’s goals.

Despite the Canadian’s nine-goal effort in their most recent game against Denmark, Reschny was one of the few forwards who were held off the scoresheet. He did manage to chip in offensively in each of the prior two games, notching an assist against Czechia and a goal against Latvia, both coming on the power play. Though his two points don’t jump off the page, it’s no small feat on a team crowded with offensive talent.

Making the team alone was a positive sign for Reschny’s development, but his strong play and reliability in the eyes of Canada’s coaching staff are further evidence that he’ll be an NHL contributor sooner than later.

Selected by the Flames 18th overall this past summer, Reschny has one more year of World Juniors eligibility and will most likely compete at the tournament again next year. If he does play for Canada as a returnee in 2027, he’ll probably do so with a heavier workload and more opportunity to shine offensively, but for now, he’s doing everything right as a role-player.

Take $20 off your first Vivid Seats order of $200+ using promo code FLAMESNATION (new customers only, $200 USD minimum before taxes & fees)