Danielson Ends Goaltenders Duel with Overtime Snipe

October 11, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release

For 60 minutes and then some, goaltenders Carson Bjarnason and Harrison Meneghin went save-for-save in a goaltending showdown. It ended when the deadliest shooter on either team broke in over the line and sent the Wheat Kings off the ice in celebration.

Nate Danielson scored the only goal as the Wheat Kings opened their road trip with a thrilling 1-0 overtime win. Bjarnason stopped 36 shots, while Meneghin turned aside 33 in the Lethbridge net.

"Carson had a really outstanding game, he was a brick wall back there," said Wheat Kings head coach and GM Marty Murray. "It was a good win. I think the only thing, I thought the ice was in rough shape so it was hard to execute plays, but it was nice to win a low-scoring, tight game. I thought we showed some real grit."

All through regulation, both goaltenders were stellar. Bjarnason stopped a point-blank chance by Miguel Marques early. Meneghin responded with a breakaway save on Danielson while the Wheat Kings were shorthanded. Despite six combined power plays and 30 combined shots, the Wheat Kings and Hurricanes were scoreless through the first.

A calmer second with only a combined 14 shots gave way to a frantic third. Both goalies were again tested. But Bjarnason saved his best work for overtime. In the extra frame he made a highlight-reel cross crease stop at even strength, then another game saver on the penalty kill, which was 6-for-6 on the night.

"You've got to win the special teams battle," said Murray. "We took some untimely penalties at times, but I thought we did a real good job. We had a nice commitment on the PK tonight."

After the OT kill, Danielson broke down the right wing, used the defender as a screen, and sent a whistling shot past the ear of Meneghin to secure the win.

The Wheat Kings continue south to face the Tri City Americans on Friday night. That game will start at 9:05 Central Time.

Western Hockey League Stories from October 11, 2023

• Hitmen Falls to Pats 5-4 - Calgary Hitmen
• Oil Kings Blanked by Blades - Edmonton Oil Kings
• Danielson Ends Goaltenders Duel with Overtime Snipe - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Chiefs Bounce Back with Late Winner, Fight off Kamloops 3-2 - Spokane Chiefs
• Blades' Offence Stays Hot, Dismantle Oil Kings 7-0 - Saskatoon Blades
• Pats Rally in Third Period to Open Homestand With a Victory - Regina Pats
• Ty Young's Incredible 37-Save Performance Propels Cougars to 2-1 Victory Over Broncos - Prince George Cougars
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• “Hawktoberfest” Set to Highlight Seven Local Breweries on Sunday - Portland Winterhawks
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• Lewis Clears Waivers, Free to Pursue Other Hockey Opportunities - Swift Current Broncos
• Wenatchee Wild Military Appreciation Campout Returns Monday - Wenatchee Wild
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• Wheat Kings Add Stability, Potential in Defenseman Tansem - Brandon Wheat Kings
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• Three Third-Period Goals Help Warriors Take Out Hitmen - Moose Jaw Warriors
• Preview: Cougars Close Out Home-Stand Against Broncos - Prince George Cougars
• Hitmen Fall to Warriors 5-3 - Calgary Hitmen

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