Cole Reschny (F, Calgary Flames):
NCHC Rookie of the Year and Calgary Flames first-round pick Cole Reschny joined the University of North Dakota this season from the Victoria Royals of the WHL. His point-per-game pace in the NCAA adds to an impressive season that included winning bronze with Team Canada at this year’s World Junior Championships where he had five points in 7 games. I’ll be watching to see whether he’s one-and-done in college hockey or if he wants to take another season to continue refining his skill set.
EJ Emery (D, New York Rangers):
Defenseman EJ Emery, a 2024 first-round pick of the New York Rangers, has been a key cog in the North Dakota lineup this season. As always, he’s been playing a top-pair shutdown role, and his presence on the ice could often be described as “smothering” by opponents. His skating, particularly speed and agility, and his patience when it comes to forcing opponents into errors are just two of the many highlights of his game. That suffocating shutdown ability is going to be critical if North Dakota wants to take home the national title.
