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WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Big Weekend for the Wheat Kings

November 16, 2018 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, MB. - A tough weekend assignment at Westoba Place awaits the Brandon Wheat Kings.

The Wheat Kings, who returned home from a grueling 7-game road trip and managed to collect three of a possible four points last weekend, will face off against the Medicine Hat Tigers tonight and the league leading Prince Albert Raiders on Saturday.

Brandon hasn't played since last Remembrance Day and head coach David Anning says the extra work that the club put in this past week should prove beneficial.

"We're going to have to respond to Sunday's effort," he told Perry Bergson of the Brandon Sun. "Obviously coming off our trip, even though we had days off...we didn't get a lot of practice time so there are some areas of our game we want to get better."

Veteran Luka Burzan, who is currently second in team scoring with thirteen goals and 21 points in nineteen games, says to be successful this weekend against two good clubs, they need to take advantage of the opportunities when they present themselves.

"I think we're missing a lot of opportunities," he says. "We're missing the net a lot so I think that has to improve. The Tigers are always good and Prince Albert is the top team in the CHL right now. It's going to be a real test."

The Wheat Kings certainly have a good sense of what to expect from the Tigers. Although this is the first of four games this season against their Central Division rival, the teams have met in the last two post seasons, with each team winning a series.

"It's definitely a rivalry," captain Stelio Mattheos told the Sun this week. "Two years ago they ended our season and last year we ended theirs. We always seem to have tight games against them and exciting games. It's one that we're looking forward to."

The Wheat Kings, who are expected to be without veteran defenceman Schael Higson this weekend, will have 16-year old rookie Ridly Greig back in the lineup. The Lethbridge product has been away the past two weeks, representing the Wheat Kings at the World U17 Hockey Challenge in the maritimes.

The Wheat Kings enter the weekend at 9-4-3-3 while the Tigers are 9-9-1-2 and currently sit third in the Central Division. Leading the Tigers this season has been veteran James Hamblin, who has nine goals and 24 points in 21 games.

While Brandon and Medicine Hat have developed quite the rivalry, based on recent playoff battles, the Wheat Kings will be facing the Raiders for the first time this year when they take to the ice on Saturday.

The high flying Raiders, who are currently 18-1-0-0 this season, lead the WHL with 93 goals for and just 34 against.

"They're at the top of the league and their record is impressive to start the year," says Anning.

Leading the Raiders has been a stingy defence, a well balanced attack and all start goalkeeper Ian Scott.

Tickets to both weekend games are on sale at the Keystone Centre box office, by calling (204) 726-3555 or online at keystonecentre.com

The first 2,500 fans in attendance Friday will receive a 2018-19 Team Poster, courtesy of MNP while the first 2,500 fans on Saturday will take home a special edition WHL-Wawanesa Insurance rally towel.

Both weekend games start at 7:30 pm and are the third and fourth games of Brandon's current six game home stand.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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