WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Schenn, Hamonic, Rajala To Be Recognized

Published on January 14, 2010 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, Manitoba -- Three members of the Brandon Wheat Kings will be honoured before Friday's Western Hockey League game, in recognition of their recent appearance at the 2010 World Junior Hockey Championships in Saskatchewan.

While veteran center Brayden Schenn and newly acquired defenceman Travis Hamonic helped Team Canada capture a Silver Medal in Saskatoon last week, right-winger Toni Rajala was a valuable member of the Finnish Team that lost out to the United States in the Quarterfinals.

A St. Malo, Manitoba product, Hamonic did not play in last week's Gold Medal game against the United States after suffering a separated shoulder in the final minutes of Canada's Semi-Final win over Switzerland. The former Moose Jaw Warrior was obtained by the Wheat Kings at Sunday's WHL Trade Deadline in exchange for rookie blueliner Dallas Ehrhardt and three bantam draft picks, including Brandon's first selection in 2010.

Hamonic, who will be introduced to the fans in Brandon for the first time as a Wheat King, is expected to be sidelined for at least another month.

In five games at the World Junior Championship, the New York Islanders' second round draft choice had a goal and two assists while sharing the team lead with an impressive +9 plus / minus rating.

Schenn meanwhile finished the Tournament with two goals and 8 points in six games while Rajala had a goal and three points in six games for Team Finland.

Friday night's presentation will be made before Brandon's game against the Warriors. The Wheat Kings, who close out a weekend homestand on Saturday night against Edmonton, will be looking to snap a 3-game winless streak after dropping back to back games in Moose Jaw and Regina on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

This year marked the third straight season that the Wheat Kings have been represented at the World Junior Hockey Championships. Last winter, captain Keith Aulie helped Team Canada to a gold medal in Ottawa while left-winger Daniel Bartek played for his native Czech Republic in 2008.

Tickets to Friday night's game are on sale now at the Keystone Centre box office, by calling 726-3555 or online at www.ticketmaster.ca.

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Western Hockey League Stories from January 14, 2010


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