First-round draft pick Cohen Baker has officially joined the Prince George Cougars family.
The Cats announced Tuesday they’ve signed the 15-year-old forward to a WHL scholarship and standard agreement.
Baker, a five-foot-seven, 134-pound native of Kamloops, was selected 17th overall in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft coming off a productive season with the Burnaby Winter Club U15 Prep team, in which he scored 34 goals and had 30 assists in 33 regular season games along with 80 penalty minutes. He also produced four goals and six points in three playoff games in the Canadian Sports School Hockey League.
“Cohen Baker competes as hard as anyone in this draft class,” said Cougars director of scouting, Bob Simmonds. “He’s a powerful skater with game-breaking ability. Simply put, he makes things happen.”
Baker ended up eight in the league scoring race and his 34 goals tied for third overall.
“It’s going to be fun watching Cohen play against his hometown Blazers,” Simmonds said. “We’re excited to welcome Cohen and his family to the Cougars organization.”
Later Tuesday the Cougars announced they’ve also signed defenceman Anderson Reschny, their second-round pick (40th overall) in the May draft.
“Anderson is a very smart player,” said Simmonds. “His ability to read the game and consistently make the right play is exceptional.”
Reschny, the younger brother of Victoria Royals NHL first-round draft prospect Cole, is coming off a productive season with OHA Edmonton U15 Prep and he put up 38 points (9G-29A) in 36 games. Anderson, a native of Macklin Sask., listed at five-foot-five, 130 pounds, has signed to play next season with the U18 Saskatoon Blazers— where current and future Cougars Lee Shurgot, Ethan Hamilton, and Tatum Fouquette crafted their game.
“Anderson can really control the game from the back end,” Simmonds added. “He’s the kind of player that makes those around him better. Our forwards are going to love playing with him. We’re thrilled to welcome Anderson and his family to the Cougars organization.”
