Wheat Kings Bounce Cougars
February 6, 2016 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release
Brandon, MB. - Fresh off a 7-game stretch of road games that covered thirteen days, the Brandon Wheat Kings returned to the friendly confines of Westman Communications Group Place Friday night and scored a convincing 8-3 victory over the visiting Prince George Cougars.
Florida Panthers' prospect Jayce Hawryluk scored three times and Philadelphia Flyers' first round draft choice Ivan Provorov added four assists as the Wheat Kings improved to 33-15-2-2 to remain within striking distance of the Eastern Conference leading Lethbridge Hurricanes.
For Hawryluk, it was his third hat trick of the season and seventh of his Western Hockey League career.
New Jersey first round pick John Quenneville added two goals and four points for the Wheat Kings, who jumped out to a 4-0 first period lead in what was one of the most exciting games of the season.
The two high scoring teams combined for some wide open hockey, big hits, disallowed goals and a first period penalty shot. Two of the biggest hits of the night came on former Wheat King Jesse Gabrielle. The Moosomin, Saskatchewan product was bounced to the ice by Brandon captain Macoy Erkamps and then got levelled by Provorov in the third off a Brandon zone face-off.
Nolan Patrick, Reid Duke and Erkamps rounded out the scoring for the Wheat Kings, who were outshot 38-35. Veteran netminder Jordan Papirny, the Wheat Kings' IMPACT Player of the Month for January, was solid in what was his 148th career appearance, moving him past Robert McVicar and into fourth place on the club's all time list.
The Wheat Kings have now won eight of their last 9 home games and 10 of their last thirteen and Quenneville says the formula has been simple.
"For us, it's all about consistency and it's all about playing 60 minutes. If you want to be a great hockey club, that's what it's all about," Quenneville told CKLQ's Bruce Luebke following the game. "Tonight was a great chance for us to, once the train kind of got off the tracks a little bit, to get it back on and play our best hockey."
With the win, Brandon remains six points up on second place Prince Albert in the Eastern Division and by scoring seven goals, the Wheat Kings sent over 4,500 fans to Smittys Restaurant for the 2+2+2 breakfast in the team's popular Lucky 7 promotion. Ticketholders will have 7 days (until 11am) to display their ticket at either Brandon location for a "free" breakfast (with the purchase of a beverage).
The Wheat Kings 4-game home stand continues Saturday night when the Medicine Hat Tigers pay a visit to Westman Place. Tickets to the game - presented by MNP LLP - 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 6, 2016
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- Kelowna wins in Shootout - Kelowna Rockets
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- Rockets Come Back and Beat Calgary 3-2 in a Shootout - Kelowna Rockets
- Winterhawks Fall 3-1 to Victoria Saturday - Portland Winterhawks
- Goals Still A Struggle Against Broncos - Saskatoon Blades
- Spacek with the Winner; Rebels Edge Moose Jaw 4-3 in OT - Red Deer Rebels
- Regina wins over Cougars - Regina Pats
- Oil Kings Blank Blazers 4-0 - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Fans Elect Barnes, Whitney, Tucker, Keith, Ronning as Five of Top 50 WHL Players of All-Time - WHL
- Game Day: Saturday Night Hockey as Rockets Host Hitmen - Kelowna Rockets
- Game Notes: Broncos Battle Blades - Swift Current Broncos
- Calgary Hitmen Game Preview - Saturday, February 6 at Kelowna - Calgary Hitmen
- Late Push Falls Short in 4-3 Loss - Kamloops Blazers
- Wheat Kings Bounce Cougars - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Game 54: February 6 vs. Brandon - Medicine Hat Tigers
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