WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Hitmen Powerplay Burns Wheat Kings in Overtime

October 21, 2018 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, MB. - Playing in their final home game in three weeks, the Brandon Wheat Kings battled back from two 2-goal deficits, only to lose 4-3 in overtime to the visiting Calgary Hitmen Saturday night.

Mark Kastelic's second powerplay goal of the game - 45 seconds into overtime - was the difference as the Hitmen ran their win streak to three.

The Wheat Kings meanwhile slipped to 6-1-2-1 on the season and wrapped up their 5-game home stand by going 2-1-1-1.

Special teams were a key in this one as three of Calgary's goals came with the man advantage.

Luka Prokop and Luke Coleman rounded out the scoring for the winners, who led 2-0 and 2-1 at the period breaks.

Calgary made it 3-1 six minutes into the third but the Wheat Kings weren't finished.

After Baron Thompson pulled Brandon to within one at the 8:31 mark with his first goal of the season, defenceman Chad Nychuk evened the score four minutes later when a harmless shot from the blueline went off netminder Jack McNaughton's blocker and into the net. For the former Yellowhead Chief, it was his first ever WHL goal.

The score stayed that way until the end of regulation but it was a play in the final seconds that may have done in the Wheat Kings.

Captain Stelio Mattheos - going to the net from a sharp angle - ran over McNaughton and was given a two minute minor for goaltender interference.

With Mattheos sitting in the box, Calgary won the game and sent four thousand fans home disappointed.

Connor Gutenberg also scored for the Wheat Kings, who received a 29 save performance from netminder Ethan Kruger.

The Wheat Kings head out now on a 7-game road trip, beginning Tuesday night in Lethbridge against the Hurricanes. Following a Wednesdya night date in Cranbrook against the Kootenay Ice, Brandon will be off to the B.C. Division of the Western Hockey League's Western Conference for five games.

The first one will be next Saturday on Vancouver Island against the Victoria Royals.

Next home game for the Wheat Kings is Friday, November 9th when they play host to the Red Deer Rebels.

Tickets to all remaining home games go back on sale Monday morning at the Keystone Centre box office, by calling (204) 726-3555 or online at keystonecentre.ca

Check out the Brandon Wheat Kings Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from October 21, 2018


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.

OurSports Central