WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Ferland, Stone Lead Wheats

Published on February 18, 2012 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, MB. -- The Brandon Wheat Kings ran their winning streak to four games Saturday night with a 6-2 victory over Prince Albert in the second game of a weekend Western Hockey League doubleheader.

While captainMark Stonedid something Saturday night that no other Wheat King had done in fifteen years, it was left-wingerMichael Ferland that stole the spotlight in this game, scoring four times and setting up another to pace the winners and giving him 40 goals on the season.

Entering the game needing just one point to reach the 100-point plateau for the second straight season, Stone reached the milestone in the final minute of the first period when he set up Ferland's second goal of the night.

Stone finished the game with two assists, giving him 38 goals and a league leading 101 points in 55 games. By reaching the century mark for the second year in a row, the Ottawa Senators' prospect became the first Wheat King sincePeter Schaefer in 1995-96 and '96-97 to record 100 point seasons in back to back years.

A 19-year old Winnipeg native, Stone finished third in the WHL scoring race last season with 37 goals and 106 points.

Saturday night was certainly a big night for the entire Stone family, as brotherMichael - a former member of the Calgary Hitmen - made his National Hockey League debut with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Thanks to his four goal performance Saturday, Ferland has moved into sole possession of eighth place in the WHL scoring race with 83 points in 57 games.

Ferland, Stone and linemateBrenden Walker, who chipped in with three assists, combined for ten scoring points in game two of the weekend series. In Friday's 6-1 series opening victory, the trio teamed up for eleven points with Stone leading the way with a goal and five points.

DefencemanRyan Pulock andDominick Favreau rounded out the scoring for the Wheat Kings, who led 2-0 and 3-1 at the period breaks.

Antoine CorbinandAnthony Bardaroscored in a losing cause for the Raiders, who outshot Brandon 44-37.

With the win - the seventh in their last 8 games - the Wheat Kings improved their record to 32-26-1-2 and remain one point back of the seventh place Regina Pats in the WHL's Eastern Conference. The win also moved Brandon to within four points of the Blades, who currently occupy sixth place with 71 points.

Brandon will be hoping to extend its win streak to five games on Tuesday night when the defending champion Kootenay Ice pay a visit to Westman Place. Tuesday's game is the third of a 6-game home stand.

Tickets to Tuesday's game are available online at ticketmaster.ca or by calling 726-3555.

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Western Hockey League Stories from February 18, 2012


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