Eastern Division Showdown Tuesday

February 9, 2016 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release

Brandon, MB. - The top two teams in the Western Hockey League's Eastern Division collide at Westman Communications Group Place tonight at 7pm.

Winners of three straight games and nine of their last ten, the first place Wheat Kings will take an eight point lead into the game against the second place Prince Albert Raiders.

The two teams have split the first four games of the season series, with Brandon winning the last two.

Brandon is coming off back to back wins this past weekend, outscoring the Prince George Cougars and Medicine Hat Tigers by a combined total of 14-5.

Veteran center Tim McGauley, who has three goals and 5 points during the season series with Prince Albert, says tonight is a classic "four-pointer" and the Wheat Kings need to be prepared for a tough game against a hard working team.

"These games are going to be huge in the end in the standings," McGauley told the Brandon Sun's Perry Bergson. "We know that as a team they're going to come out flying. We know that they're going to be hitting hard and playing hard like they always do. We just have to match them and be just as intense and just as energized.

Like the Wheat Kings, the Raiders are coming off back to back wins on home ice to improve to 29-17-5-1, including 13-9-3-1 on the road.

Leading the Raiders this season has been veteran right-winger Reid Gardiner. The 19-year old Humboldt, Saskatchewan product is currently fifth in league scoring with 32 goals and 72 points in 52 games.

Not only will the Wheat Kings have an opportunity to tighten their grip on top spot tonight, they've pulled to within two points of the Eastern Conference leading Lethbridge Hurricanes, who are idle tonight.

Tonight is another "2 for Tuesday", which means fans will receive a free ticket to the game when they purchase another at the regular admission price. As well, the Keystone Centre will be offering special discounts on a number of concession items.

Tickets are on sale now at the Keystone Centre box office, by calling 726-3555 or online at keystonecentre.com

The Wheat Kings will close out this 4-game home stand Friday night against the visiting Saskatoon Blades - a game presented by Enns Brothers.

Western Hockey League Stories from February 9, 2016

• Prince Albert comes from behind with five unanswered goals - Prince Albert Raiders
• Pink the Rink Plans Unveiled - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Broncos' Burman, Wheat Kings Provorov Earn CHL Weekly Honours - WHL
• Wheat Kings' Ivan Provorov Named CHL Player of the Week - WHL
• Broncos' Taz Burman Named Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week - WHL
• Board of Governors Extend Contract of WHL Commissioner Ron Robison - WHL
• Weekly Ice Report - Kootenay Ice
• Game Day: Rockets and T-Birds Back at It in Seattle - Kelowna Rockets
• Eastern Division Showdown Tuesday - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Wheat Kings' Provorov Named WHL Player of the Week - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Game 55: February 9 vs. Saskatoon - Medicine Hat Tigers
• Silvertips Fall to Victoria Rally - Everett Silvertips

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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