Updated Feb. 28
MACKLIN — Macklin-born Cole Reschny was a key factor to Team Saskatchewan success story at the 2023 Canada Winter Games held in Prince Edward Island.
Cole made his mark with Team Saskatchewan in the gold medal game, playing Team Ontario, slinging in a goal at the 15:20 mark of the second period, making the score 2-0. This goal was his fifth goal of the tournament.
Team Saskatchewan played five periods of hockey to decide a winner in the gold medal game and are returning home with a silver medal for their efforts.
Cole’s mom, Allison Reschny, said after the marathon game, “It sure was tough but hopefully soon they will feel very proud of their efforts, as time heals their heartbreak.”
The community of Macklin was extra invested in Team Saskatchewan results throughout the Canada Games week, as were Saskatchewan fans who followed via Hockey Sask., Team Sask., and Canada Games social media updates.
Team Saskatchewan hockey has six players drafted in the first round of the 2022 WHL draft, which includes Cole. He has already been called up by the Victoria Royals and scored a goal in one of those appearances.
Although Reschny was held off the score board in game one against New Brunswick in their opening victory of the games, he made his mark in the remaining games of round robin and playoffs. The pride of Macklin plugged in an empty netter in the semifinal game against Quebec, securing their spot in the gold medal game.
Team Saskatchewan hockey finished Pool A round robin with a perfect record, which allowed them a day off before the quarter final game against Nova Scotia. The team beat Quebec in the semifinal sending them to the championship game against Team Ontario.
The media attention and pressure started to mount for the Sask. U16 hockey squad leading up to their gold medal appearance as several stories came out noting that the last time Saskatchewan won a gold medal at Canada Winter Games was 1995. Social media also noted that the arena the championship game would be played in was home to the Prince Albert Mintos winning Telus Cup in 2006 and Amber Holland’s Team Saskatchewan curling team who won the Scotties Tournament of Hearts at the venue in 2011.
The championship hockey game was a back-and-forth match that extended into overtime after three periods of regulation time did not decide a winner. When the first overtime period went scoreless, fans continued to inch closer to the edge of their seats. Ultimately, it was second overtime set that had Team Ontario emerge as the victors.
The game was described as both intense and a gold medal game for the ages in Charlottetown, finishing in dramatic fashion.
Team Sask. hockey improves upon their fourth-place finish at the last CWG that were held in Red Deer in 2019.
Cole says of his Canada Games experience, "The Canada Winter games in PEI was an amazing experience. We had a great team with a great group of guys which made our time there even better. I think lots of people would have said we weren't going to be in the gold medal game going into double overtime with team Ontario but we were there."
"We had such a determined group that was disciplined to get a job done. Our coaches put every ounce of effort they could to give us the best opportunity to win. Ultimately we came up just short from being at the top, but I think all of us were proud of ourselves and each other for what we have accomplished. Our province hasn't been in the gold medal game at the CWG for 28 years let alone win a medal but we changed that and I think all of us, especially myself ,were proud to do that for our province"
Cole adds that his CWG experience was 'unreal' and is something he will never forget, and he for sure won't forget the guys he experienced it with.
Reschny will return home to begin league playoffs in the SMAAAHL with his team, the Saskatoon Blazers, where he hopes to continue the wins coming as the team vies for a spot in Telus Cup in April.
