WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Home Opener Tonight

Published on September 24, 2010 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, MB -- (Courtesy of Bruce Luebke, 880 CKLQ) -- The Brandon Wheat Kings open their 44th season in the Western Hockey League Friday night as they host the Regina Pats at Westman Communications Group Place.

It will be a far different Brandon team that takes to the ice Friday than the last time they played a meaningful game on May 23. Gone from the lineup the club iced in the Memorial Cup Final are Matt Calvert, Jay Fehr, Aaron Lewadniuk, Brent Raedeke, Toni Rajala, Colby Robak, Travis Hamonic and Alexander Urbom while Brayden Schenn (Los Angeles) and Scott Glennie (Dallas) remain with NHL teams.

The mass exodus of talent have many believing the 2010-2011 season could be a down one for the Wheat Kings, but don't tell that to the players.

"Coming into the season, you always have high expectations. No one wants to lose, and no one comes here to lose," said fourth-year defenceman Brodie Melnychuk after practice earlier this week, "We definitely expect to win every game we play and as long as guys come along and we keep working, we can make that happen."

Melnychuk has the most experience of any of the returning players, having suited up for 201 regular season and 33 playoff games over the last three years.

The Balgonie, Saskatchewan product had seven goals and 24 points last season while being the only player to appear in all 72 games Brandon played, and also finished third in the WHL with a +46 rating.

Melnychuk is just one of four returning defencemen with the Wheat Kings, along with sophomore Ryley Miller and 20-year olds Darren Bestland and Mark Schneider. Brandon's young defence core includes Jordan Fransoo, who played four playoff games last spring, Rene Hunter and Kyle Krzyzaniak, who both spent last season with the MJHL's Portage Terriers, 2009 first round Bantam Pick Eric Roy, Grandview product Ryan Pulock and 17-year old Spencer Galbraith.

Fans are being encouraged to come early to Friday's Home Opener. In addition to having Montanas Cookhouse hosting a pre-game Tailgate Party in the south parking lot before the game, a number of other events are being planned for the pre-game ceremonies - from a Memorial Cup Memories video to player introductions, the unveiling of the 2010 Eastern Division pennant as well as a special Ceremonial Opening Face-off that will feature Lt. Col. Schreiber of the Second Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, WHL Commissioner Ron Robison and Jeff Cristall, the Chairman of what was a very successful 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup.

As well, those attending the game are encouraged to sign one of the oversized Wheat Kings' jerseys that were hung in the Molson Hockey House during the Memorial Cup. Once completed, the jersey will be delivered to Canadian troops serving in Afghanistan.

Tickets to the Home Opener are on sale at the Keystone Centre box office, by calling 726-3555 or online at ticketmaster.ca

Speaking of tickets, with one day to go before the start of the regular season, the Wheat Kings have eclipsed the 2,900 mark in Season Ticket sales. For more information or to order the most affordable Season Ticket in the Canadian Hockey League, fans can call 726-3535.

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Western Hockey League Stories from September 24, 2010


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