GRAND FORKS -- A year ago, Cole Reschny was gearing up for the Western Hockey League playoffs, his future beyond that unknown.
He may not have known a ton about the University of North Dakota.
Now, he's become one of the faces of the new hockey landscape, where Canadian major junior players are eligible to play at the college level. He's a critical piece for the No. 2-ranked team in the nation and his complete style of game conjures up memories of past UND greats like Travis Zajac, Jonathan Toews, Corban Knight and Jason Gregoire.
So, how has Year 1 gone?
"Honestly, I think it's exceeded my expectations," Reschny said. "I came in here just wanting to get better. I thought it was a place I could grow -- not only as a player but as a person too. It's been great. I can't thank everyone enough for all the opportunities I've had. It's been great becoming a better player, working on my 200-foot game. It's been awesome. It's been a great year so far."
Reschny has five goals and 34 points in 33 games for the Fighting Hawks, who will enter next week's NCAA tournament as one of the four No. 1 seeds.
His 29 assists trail only two UND freshmen of the past 25 years -- Brock Boeser and Zach Parise.
Reschny was named the NCHC's Rookie of the Year earlier this week.
"It's pretty crazy to say the least," Reschny said of the whirlwind this past year. "I'm very thankful and grateful for the opportunity the coaching staff, especially Jax (head coach Dane Jackson), has given me, and reaching out and really showing a lot of interest in me committing here, how much he cares and how much everyone around the rink cares. This whole organization, from top to bottom, is pretty special. As the year has gone on, more and more, you realize how special our group is and the opportunity we have in front of us is pretty special."
UND was knocked out of the NCHC semifinals by Minnesota Duluth last Saturday in Ralph Engelstad Arena.
It now has this weekend off to prepare for the NCAA regionals. UND will learn its opponent and destination at 2 p.m. Sunday. UND is likely to be Sioux Falls, S.D.
"We've got some time ahead of us to look at it and work and grow as a team," Reschny said. "I think we're all excited for the opportunity. We've put ourselves in great position to have some success here. It's going to be tough, but it's going to be fun and we're really looking forward to it."
This is Reschny's first experience in the NCAA tournament, where every round is just a single game.
"Obviously, it's a little different than playing a seven-game series," Reschny said. "But it's fun. It's the best time of the year and we're getting the opportunity, a good one. We're just going to take it and run with it. The first game is on our mind right now."
What's one thing Reschny has learned about UND this season?
"There's a lot of rich history," Reschny said. "I don't think I realized how cherished and special this program is -- not only to the university but to the city of Grand Forks. It's a special place to play and I'm very, very thankful for this opportunity I got this year."