MACKLIN — Cole Reschny, who grew up in Macklin, is becoming a well-known name in hockey circles. The 18-year-old continues to rack up stats, goals, assists and attention throughout his hockey career. A quick Google search of his name brings up multiple stories across numerous sports media outlets.
Chosen for Team Canada’s under-18 squad for the 2025 IIHF tournament held in Texas, Reschny is celebrated for scoring the game-winning overtime goal in the quarter-finals, advancing the team to the semi-finals, as well as making a significant impact in the gold medal game, which Canada won.
Allison Reschny, Cole’s mom, said, “We were able to get out to Victoria a few times this year but were not able to make it to any of the playoff games or travel to Dallas for the U18 Hockey Canada event. We definitely enjoyed the great entertainment from the comfort of our living room.”
The Macklin product continues to garner attention across the hockey world in whatever role he’s in — from minor hockey, to the U18AAA Saskatoon Blazers and their successful runs in league play, the Telus Cup, and Canada Games, to the star status he has earned with the WHL’s Victoria Royals.
Chosen for the second consecutive year to represent Team Canada at IIHF events, Reschny continues to make his mark on the ice.
Some say he may be one of the hottest prospects in the upcoming NHL draft.
SaskToday asked the Reschnys how it feels to be from small-town Saskatchewan and have their son experiencing this level of success. They responded, “It feels a bit surreal when people ask us about him, but yet, I still feel like Cole is just our son, nothing more than any other sons that are hockey players.”
Born in 2006, the 190-lb forward continues to shine on the ice, regardless of the team he's lacing up for.
Lori Cosh, a longtime resident of Macklin, said, “He’s had such a great year with the Victoria Royals, he had a great tournament at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and seeing him thriving at the U18 IIHF has been very exciting for our community. It’s definitely been fun following Cole’s hockey career so far.”
“He knows where he needs to be, he’s got incredible hands, and can put the puck in the net flawlessly. Cole is from a hardworking family, and that includes his extended family — uncles, aunts, and grandparents. It’s easy to be happy and excited for all of them when they’re all such great people,” added the Macklin resident.
Reschny said, “Macklin is very supportive, and excited. In fact, the school put the semi-final U18 Hockey Canada game on in the gym. It’s crazy to hear them say we are watching our very own Cole Reschny while supporting Team Canada.”
As for the upcoming NHL draft, Reschny described their mindset: “Of course it’s exciting and actually feels a bit surreal to think this really is the NHL we are talking about, but again, it’s just a draft and all it does is give you the opportunity to put in the next level of work. We do however plan to all attend, support him and appreciate all of the sacrifices, not only him but our family have put in to help him achieve success.
“I think we stay grounded because, again, it’s just Cole, our son and brother. We all support each other and share each other’s successes whether it’s sports, school or other opportunities,” added Reschny.
The Reschnys said they will have him home briefly, off and on, over the next four summer months and are looking forward to spending time together.
“The house gets busier and there is a lot more cooking to do, but we love it.”
Cole isn’t the only athlete in the house. His brother, Anderson, has just signed with the Saskatoon Blazers U18AAA team, where Cole once played.
SaskToday asked how the family balances their children’s athletic pursuits and success stories throughout the season.
“You just make it work, you prioritize and split up the parenting. With the boys all away from home billeting at a younger age, it helped with a lot of the weekday running and just left us torn in different directions on the weekends, but that’s when you prioritize or take turns travelling to watch.”
