WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Calvert Is Brandon Bound

Published on September 29, 2009 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, Manitoba - The Western Hockey League's Brandon Wheat Kings are pleased to announce the return of veteran left-winger Matt Calvert from the National Hockey League's Columbus Blue Jackets.

A fifth round draft choice of the Blue Jackets, the 20-year old local product was offered a contract to turn pro but the chance to come home and help the Wheat Kings win the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup, proved to be too hard to pass up.

Calvert was the last Wheat King to be returned to Brandon, after the Los Angeles Kings reassigned 18-year old center Brayden Schenn on Monday.

The former AAA Midget Wheat King enjoyed an outstanding camp with the Jackets. After leading a Rookie Tournament in scoring earlier this month in Traverse City, Michigan, the 5'10" 182 lb. Calvert had two goals and 4 points in four NHL pre-season games with Columbus.

After finishing second in club scoring in 2007-08, Calvert averaged well over a point per game last season with 28 goals and 67 points in 58 games. In 130 career games with Brandon, he has scored 52 goals and 131 points, while accumulating 111 minutes in penalties.

"This is great news for the Wheat Kings and our fans," says Wheat Kings' coach and general manager Kelly McCrimmon. "Matt has shown a tremendous commitment to the organization by passing up his first professional contract for the opportunity to play in the Memorial Cup."

The Blue Jackets retain Calvert's NHL playing rights until June of 2010.

On the ice, the Wheat Kings continue preparations for this weekend's games against Red Deer and Saskatoon on Friday and Saturday nights respectively.

Tickets for both games are on sale now at the Keystone Centre box office (Pioneer Lounge), online at ticketmaster.ca or by calling 726-3555.

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Western Hockey League Stories from September 29, 2009


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