WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Wheat Kings Cruise to 6-2 Win over Blades

February 22, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, MB. - If the Western Hockey League playoffs were about to begin, the Brandon Wheat Kings would be in.

For the first time in a month, the Wheat Kings sit in a playoff position after scoring an impressive 6-2 victory Friday night over the visiting Saskatoon Blades and running their season high winning streak to six games.

They also got some help around the league as the three teams that they're currently in a battle for playoff position with - Red Deer, Calgary and Medicine Hat - all lost.

Edmonton edged Red Deer 2-1, the Tigers dropped a 6-3 decision in Lethbridge and Regina edged Calgary 5-4 in overtime.

As a result, the 29-22-3-4 Wheat Kings leapfrogged Red Deer and into sole possession of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Division. The win also moved Brandon to within a point of the Calgary Hitmen, who currently own the first wild card berth. As for the Tigers, their lead on the Wheat Kings is now down to two points, after dropping their fifth straight game.

The Blades got off to a quick start in this one, scoring in the first two minutes and by the midway point of the opening period, they had outshot Brandon 12-4.

However, after netminder Jiri Patera turned away Gary Haden on a penalty shot at the 9:35 mark, the Wheat Kings struck back with two first period goals, before adding three unanswered in the second and never looked back.

Captain Stelio Mattheos - with his team leading 40th goal of the season - was one of six Wheat Kings to beat Saskatoon goalkeeper Nolan Maier. Joining him were Caiden Daley, Luka Burzan, Zach Wytinck, Ben McCartney and 16-year old rookie Ridly Greig.

Ryan Hughes and Max Gerlach scored in a losing cause for the Blades, who outshot Brandon 40-28.

Both Blades goals came on the powerplay as they went 2 for 5 with the man advantage. Brandon went 0 for 2.

The Wheat Kings will now hit the road for seven straight road games, beginning Saturday night in Prince Albert against the Raiders.

Overall, Brandon will play eight of its final ten regular season games away from home.

Next home game for the Wheat Kings is Rain Check Night - Wednesday, March 13th - against the visiting Moose Jaw Warriors.

Any unused tickets from November 23rd through February 22nd can be exchanged at the box office for a "free" ticket to this game (regular box office agency fees apply).

Brandon is out of Westoba Place for the next two and a half weeks as the Tim Hortons Brier rolls into the Keystone Centre.

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Western Hockey League Stories from February 22, 2019


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