Wheat Kings Fall 3-2 to Ice in Opener
September 21, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL) - Brandon Wheat Kings News Release
Brandon, MB. - It was almost déjà vu all over again at Westoba Place Friday night.
Four years after having their Home Opener cancelled in the second period due to thick fog in the building, the Wheat Kings managed to escape another fog related cancellation this time. However, despite surviving several third period delays, the Wheat Kings couldn't score a comeback win, dropping a disappointing 3-2 decision to the visiting Winnipeg Ice.
The Wheat Kings will be hoping to split the season opening home and home series when they travel to Winnipeg on Saturday night.
Following a scoreless opening period, the Ice took control of the game in the second, scoring two unanswered goals. Then they added what proved to be the game winner in the opening minute of the third.
The Wheat Kings finally got on the board midway through the third on a shot from defenceman Vincent Iorio and pulled to within one with less than five minutes to play when Zach Wytinck beat Winnipeg netminder Dean McNabb.
Connor McClennon, Isaac Johnson and Michal Toply scored goals for the Ice, who outshot the Wheat Kings 45-26, including 20-7 in the second when Brandon netminder Jiri Patera was at his best.
Friday night marked the first time in thirty-five years that the Wheat Kings have faced off against a Winnipeg club.
The Ice relocated from Cranbrook, B.C. to Winnipeg this past spring and have become the first Major Junior team to be located in the provincial capital since the Winnipeg Warriors moved to Moose Jaw in the summer of 1984.
Friday's Home Opener featured a special pre-game ceremonial opening faceoff, recognizing three newly elected members of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame. Longtime WHL official Rob Haithwaite, a Brandon product, as well as former Wheat Kings Bob Fitchner and Trevor Kidd received warm ovations from the crowd of close to 5,000 fans.
Following Saturday's game at the Max Bell on the campus of the University of Manitoba, the Wheat Kings will return home and begin preparations for next weekend's home and home series with the Warriors.
Friday night is Manitoba Fridge Magnet Schedule Giveaway, with the first 2,500 fans through the doors of Westoba Place receiving a 2019-20 fridge magnet schedule.
Tickets to that game as well as all remaining regular season games will go on sale this Tuesday, September 24th at the Keystone Centre box office. Fans can also order online at keystonecentre.com or by calling (204) 726-3555.
For those fans wanting to guarantee their seat for the rest of the season, season tickets are still available. To order or for more information be sure to visit the Wheat Kings' office or by calling (204) 726-3535.
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