Bukarts Named Player of the Week
February 10, 2015 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release
CALGARY, AB -The Western Hockey League announced today that Brandon Wheat Kings forward Rihards Bukarts is the Denny's WHL Player of the Week for the week ending February 8th, 2015.
Bukarts collected seven points (4g-3a), while posting a plus-five rating in four games over the past week and helped to lead the Wheat Kings to four straight victories.
On Wednesday, February 4th, Bukarts scored three points (1g-2a) to lead the Wheat Kings to a 6-3 win over the Medicine Hat Tigers while claiming first star honours. On Friday, February 6th, Bukarts scored a goal against the Kootenay Ice in a 5-3 victory and also added an assist in the Wheat Kings' 4-1 decision over the Ice the following night. Bukarts concluded the week against the Lethbridge Hurricanes on February 8th in which he scored the game-winning goal and added another in a 7-2 triumph which marked his 22nd and 23rd goals of the season.
A 19-year-old Jurmala, Latvia native, Bukarts has gathered 55 points (23g-32a) along with a plus-14 rating in 45 games this season. He ranks second in team scoring for the Wheat Kings and his nine power play goals are second-best for Brandon. The 5'9", 192 lb forward is in his second WHL campaign with the Wheat Kings where he has amassed 109 points (51g-58a) in 110 career regular season matches. Bukarts was selected seventh overall by the Brandon Wheat Kings in the 2013 CHL Import Draft.
Bukarts and the Wheat Kings return to action Friday night when the Spokane Chiefs make their first appearance in over two years. The Wheat Kings will be looking to run their winning streak to a season high seven games.
Tickets to Friday's game - presented by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries - are on sale at the Keystone Centre box office, by calling 726-3555 or online at keystonecentre.com.
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Western Hockey League Stories from February 10, 2015
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- Game 54: February 10 vs. Regina - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Bukarts Named Player of the Week - Brandon Wheat Kings
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