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WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Kallionkielie Debut Is on the Horizon

November 25, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, MB. - The Western Hockey League's Brandon Wheat Kings are hoping to add an important piece to their roster early next month.

Wheat Kings' general manager Darren Ritchie says that while Finnish born forward Marcus Kallionkieli remains in Vegas, recovering from an off-season injury that resulted in surgery, he is skating and is expected to be cleared to play in two to three weeks.

A fifth round selection (139th overall) of the National Hockey League's Vegas Golden Knights last June, Kallionkieli was Brandon's first round pick (22nd overall) in the 2019 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.

The 6'2" 195 lb Helsinki product, Kallionkieli spent the 2018-19 season with the Sioux City Muskateers of the United States Hockey League, recording 29 goals and 53 points in 58 games and was named to the USHL's All-Rookie Team.

Ritchie is looking forward to getting the Finnish born winger into the Wheat King lineup.

"He's a big winger that can shoot the puck. We think he'll complement our players very well," said Ritchie. "He plays a hard game and a fast game. You have to have players that have the ability to score goals and Marcus can."

Kallionieli, who is the third Finnish born player to be selected by the Wheat Kings, signed his transfer card with the WHL club this past summer, after inking a three-year entry level contract with the Golden Knights in July.

"Marcus will need to adjust to a new team, new league and new city," says Ritchie "but when you're in a town like Brandon, the guys are together a lot. I think that's going to be really easy on him," he added. "Of course, it will take time because he's new to the league. I think it's important to be patient with Marcus."

The Wheat Kings currently have one import on their active roster - goalkeeper Jiri Patera.

Brandon returns to Westoba Place this weekend for a home and home series with Winnipeg, beginning Friday night at Westoba Place.

Tickets to Fridays game is on sale now at the Keystone Centre box office, by calling (204) 726-3555 or online at keystonecentre.com.

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