When James Patrick replaced Dan Price this month as head coach of the Victoria Royals, he took on the role as the person who will mentor prize-rookie Cole Reschny through his junior career.
Patrick would seem to know what to do after guiding NHL first-round draft picks Peyton Krebs, Matthew Savoie, Conor Geekie, Carson Lambos and Zach Benson the past few seasons on the loaded roster of the Winnipeg Ice.
Although the World U-17 championship this month didn’t go the way Reschny would have wanted, with his Team sa国际传媒 Red failing to make the podium, the Royals’ player-of-the-future will be looking to extend his 12-game Western Hockey League points streak tonight in Portland against the Winterhawks.
“Certainly I’ve watched Cole and can see how talented he is. I think he’s got a great future,” said Patrick, when he took over the Royals.
But nothing is given, only earned, at this level. Even for players such as Reschny, ranked by the Elite Prospects site for the second round of the 2025 NHL draft.
“He’s got a lot of work ahead of him, a lot of work to put in, and I want to help him as much as possible.
“I’m super excited to have him be a big part of this team,” said Patrick.
“With the promise, comes high expectations. I look at him like I looked at Peyton Krebs, Connor McClennon, Conor Geekie, Matt Savoie, Zach Benson. Coming into this league he [Reschny] kind of carried the same credentials and he showed early on deservedly so. It’s the same as I view coaching any player. I am going to do everything I can to make them better individual and team players.”
The Royals (12-9-1) begin a three-game swing through the U.S. Division beginning tonight in Portland (13-5-1), continuing Friday in Tri-City against the Americans (11-7-2 heading into Tuesday night) and concluding Saturday in Spokane against the Chiefs (8-8-2).
Victoria’s next home dates are Nov. 28-29 when the Kamloops Blazers (5-12-4) pay a visit to Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.
