Royals’ 2025 NHL Draft Recap
The Victoria Royals are pleased to announce that forward Cole Reschny has been selected 18th overall in the 1st round by the Calgary Flames and defenseman Justin Kipkie has been selected 141st overall by the Minnesota Wild in the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles, CA.
Heading into the draft, Reschny was ranked 25th by NHL Central Scouting in their final draft rankings. His selection of 18th overall marks the first time a Victoria Royals player has been taken in the first round of the NHL Draft.
18-year-old Reschny has suited up in 127 games for the Royals between 2023-2025 where he has scored 48 goals and 104 assists for 152 points. The Macklin, SK product is coming off a season which saw him break the franchise record for single season assists (66). Standing at 5’11, and 181 lbs., Reschny was selected 3rd overall by Victoria in the first round of the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft.
19-year-old Kipkie, from Calgary, AB, has played in 206 games for the Royals since being drafted in the sixth round, 126 overall by Victoria in the 2020 WHL Prospects draft. The 6’4, 207 lbs. captain has scored 36 goals and 111 assists in his tenure, breaking the franchise record for most goals in a career by a Royals defenseman (36).
With his selection in the 2025 Draft, Reschny joins a list of 14 other members in team history to be selected in the NHL draft:
Cole Reschny (18th overall – 2025) Calgary Flames
Justin Kipkie (141st overall – 2025) Minnesota Wild
Nate Misskey (143rd overall – 2024) San Jose Sharks
Justin Kipkie (160th overall – 2023) Arizona Coyotes
Kalem Parker (181st overall – 2023) Minnesota Wild
Gannon Laroque (103rd overall – 2021) San Jose Sharks
Scott Walford (68th overall – 2017) Montreal Canadiens
Vladimir Bobylev (122nd overall – 2016) Toronto Maple Leafs
Jack Walker (152nd overall – 2016) Toronto Maple Leafs
Matthew Phillips (166th overall – 2016) Calgary Flames
Tyler Soy (205th overall – 2016) Anaheim Ducks
Chaz Reddekopp (187th overall – 2015) Los Angeles Kings
Austin Carroll (184th overall – 2014) Calgary Flames
Keegan Kanzig (67th overall – 2013) Calgary Flames
Steven Hodges (84th overall – 2012) Florida Panthers
Logan Nelson (133rd overall – 2012) Buffalo Sabres
