Last season, Cole Reschny was just another fan watching the NCAA Frozen Four from afar, catching a Penn State vs. BU game while in Spokane for playoffs. The dream of playing on that stage himself felt distant, especially after he had signed with the WHL's Victoria Royals at 15, a move he believed had closed the door on his college eligibility.

That all changed with a pivotal NCAA rules shift. Midway through last season, the rule prohibiting Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players from retaining NCAA eligibility was altered, opening a new path. For Reschny and others, a world of opportunity suddenly appeared.

After a playoff run with Victoria and a stint representing Canada at the IIHF World Under-18 Championships, the calls started coming in. Among them was an offer from North Dakota and first-year head coach Dane Jackson. Reschny, along with his Victoria teammate Keaton Verhoeff, didn't hesitate, making back-to-back commitment calls in late May.

They became headline additions to UND's inaugural class of CHL alumni, a group that has since become a cornerstone of the team's success. That group—Reschny, Verhoeff, Ollie Josephson, Josh Zakreski, and Jan Špunar—is now headed to the Frozen Four, a destination that seemed impossible just a year ago.

"It's the last thing I ever thought I'd be doing," Josephson admitted, reflecting on his transition from the WHL's Red Deer Rebels. "But here I am. I'm super happy I made the switch... This year has been a lot of fun. Hopefully, we keep it going and get a national championship."

Their impact has been immediate and profound. Under Coach Jackson's leadership, the Fighting Hawks have assembled a remarkable 29-9-1 season, capturing the NCHC's Penrose Cup as regular-season champions. This journey from rule-change beneficiaries to Frozen Four contenders is a testament to their skill and the evolving landscape of college hockey, proving that the path to glory can sometimes take an unexpected, thrilling turn.