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WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Tough Loss for Wheat Kings Friday

December 15, 2018 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Saskatoon, SK. - The Brandon Wheat Kings kicked off their final pre-Christmas weekend of hockey Friday night with a heartbreaking loss in Saskatoon.

The Blades scored with 4.8 seconds remaining in regulation time to beat the Wheat Kings 3-2 in the opening game of their weekend home and home series.

With the score tied at two, Brandon's Cole Reinhardt had the puck deflect off his skate and slide past netminder Ethan Kruger. The rookie Brandon netminder, who is expected to carry the bulk of the goaltending duties while 19-year old Jiri Patera skates with the Czech Republic national team at the World Junior Hockey Championships, made the initial save off Gary Haden but the rebound bounced off Reinhardt and that was the difference.

Needless to say a disappointing loss for the Wheat Kings, who outshot the Blades 35-22, including 18-5 in the third period when they dominated play and missed on a number of glorious opportunities.

"We played very well," Brandon coach David Anning told the Brandon Sun following the game. "The message (to the team) is simple. We played a quality hockey game and we need to pick up where we left off. We had good structure to our game, we were working hard and we had guys step up and play well. I'm encouraged with our effort. We deserved a better outcome than we received."

With the loss, the Wheat Kings third straight - Brandon's record slipped to 14-10-3-3 while the Blades improved to 21-10-3-0.

Brandon Machado and Josh Paterson rounded out the scoring for the Blades while Linden McCorrister and Ridly Greig replied for the Wheat Kings, who will be looking to bounce back Saturday night when the two teams close out the series at Westoba Place.

Saturday night is the annual Shoppers Mall Teddy Bear and Toque Toss in Brandon. Fans attending are encouraged to bring a new stuffed animal or toque and when the Wheat Kings score their first goal, litter the ice with them.

Those that do hit the ice and collected will be donated to Brandon's Westman Christmas Cheer Registry.

Tickets to Saturday's game will go back on sale at 10am Saturday at the Keystone Centre box office. Fans can also order online at keystonecentre.com or by calling (204) 726-3555.

This game will be the Wheat Kings final one before their 11-day Christmas break.

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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.

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