WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Harding's return

Published on January 28, 2004 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Regina, Saskatchewan -- It will be a Homecoming of sorts for Brandon Wheat Kings' veteran netminder Josh Harding tonight when he takes to the ice at the Agridome in Regina. The Wheat Kings will be looking to rebound from Tuesday's 5-1 loss in Moose Jaw as they play game two of a 4-game in five night Western Hockey League road trip.

It may be his third year in the league but this won't be just another road trip for the 19-year old Harding, who was obtained from the Pats on January 7th in exchange for 17-year old netminder Dustin Slade, the rights to 15-year old Ryan McDonald and a third round bantam draft choice.

"It's going to be a little different going into that game than any other game," last year's WHL Player of the Year and Top Goaltender told James Shewaga of the Brandon Sun on Monday. "I played in Regina all my life and I'm pretty excited to get back there and hopefully come out on the winning end. We have to come out with a good performance because they have improved a lot, too."

Brandon enters tonight's game, sitting six games below the .500 mark at 18-24-6-3. The Wheat Kings are currently seven points ahead of the fourth place Pats in the Division and only four behind the seventh place LETHBRIDGE HURRICANES in the Conference.

Since arriving in Brandon, the second round draft choice of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild, has played in nine of the Wheat Kings' ten games. He's compiled a 4-5-0 record, a 3.07 goals against average and one shutout. As well, he continues to lead the Eastern Conference with a .911 save percentage. That shutout came in his "home" debut for the Wheat Kings, stopping 17 shots in a 6-0 victory over Saskatoon on January 10th, becoming only the third Brandon goalie in league history to record a shutout in their debut at the Keystone Centre, joining the likes of Jamie Hodson (1997) and Chris Osgood (1991).

Among his other highlights since arriving in the Wheat City - a 47-save performance in a 3-2 victory over the Calgary Hitmen this past weekend as well as a sensational day at the club's 2nd Annual Skills Day, held this past weekend, to raise money for the Wheat Kings' Goals for Kids campaign.

Winners of just one of their last six games, the Wheat Kings could have veteran Lance Monych back in the lineup tonight. He's missed the past ten days with a shoulder problem and is currently listed as day to day. Rookie Derek Leblanc meanwhile returned Tuesday night after missing three games with a shoulder injury.

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Western Hockey League Stories from January 28, 2004


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