WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Fans urged to support military, Idonije

Published on January 30, 2007 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, Manitoba -- The Eastern Division leading Brandon Wheat Kings will be hoping for a big turnout to the Keystone Centre Wednesday night when they kick off a 4-game Western Hockey League home stand against the visiting Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Fresh off a 4-game road trip that saw the Wheat Kings win two and lose two, Brandon enters the week with a healthy 12 point lead on the second place Swift Current Broncos. The Wheat Kings, who are currently 27-17-2-6 will be looking for a little revenge on Wednesday, after dropping a 5-2 decision in Lethbridge last week.

Wednesday is Rain Check Night at the Keystone Centre, meaning any fans with unused tickets can exchange them at the box office for a "free" ticket to this game. This is the second to last Rain Check game of the 2006-07 WHL campaign.

In addition to cheering on the first place Wheat Kings, western Manitoba hockey fans will have the opportunity to send best wishes to Brandon's own Isreal Idonije and the National Football League's Super Bowl Bound Chicago Bears. As well, members of the Military Wives Sisterhood of CFB Shilo will be in attendance Wednesday, selling Yellow Ribbon Yard signs in support of the company of soldiers that will be returning from their six month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

The troops are scheduled to return next month and the Military Wives Sisterhood encourages everyone in western Manitoba to show their support by displaying aYellow Ribbon Yard Sign on their property. Chairperson Gayle Raynor says that proceeds from the $10 signs will go to the Sisterhood, a Brandon based non-profit organization founded by military spouses to provide empathetic support and friendship.

Chosen Manitoba's male athlete of the year for 2006, Idonije is in his third season with Chicago and helped the Bears capture the NFC championship this season to earn a date with Payton Manning and the AFC Champion Indianapolis Colts in Sunday's Super Bowl.

Fans attending Wednesday's game will be able to sign "Good Luck Izzy" cards that will be faxed by the Wheat Kings to the Bears' Miami hotel on Thursday. The card will be located next to BDO Dunwoody Fan Services during Wednesday's game.

Idonije picked up 16 first place votes for a total of 165 points to edge out Winkler's Dustin Penner of the National Hockey League's Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Other finalists included golfer Garth Collings, Manitoba Bison linebacker Cory Huclack and former Wheat King right-winger Kirby Law of McCreary.

The Wheat Kings will continue the home stand on Friday night against the Broncos. Tickets to both games this week are on sale now at the Keystone box office, by calling 726-3555 or online at ticketmaster.ca.

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Western Hockey League Stories from January 30, 2007


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