Wheat Kings Fall to Hurricanes

November 3, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release

Brandon, MB. - The Brandon Wheat Kings modest 2-game win streak is over.

Oliver Okuliar scored three goals as the Lethbridge Hurricanes defeated the Wheat Kings 5-2 before 3,312 fans at Westoba Place.

The game was the second of a 3-game home stand for the Wheat Kings, who blanked the Swift Current Broncos 5-0 on Friday.

After an opening period that saw both teams trade goals, the 'Canes regained the lead eight minutes into the second when Okuliar notched his second of the night, beating Brandon netminder Ethan Kruger upstairs.

Alex Thacker added what proved to be the eventual game winner four minutes later as Lethbridge made it 2 for 2 against Manitoba's Western Hockey League clubs this weekend. The Canes opened the weekend with an 8-2 victory over the ICE in Winnipeg on Friday.

Defenceman Neithan Salame - with his first goal of the season - and Ridley Greig on a third period powerplay, scored in a losing cause for the Wheat Kings, whose record slipped to 7-10-0 on the season.

Greig's goal pulled Brandon to within a goal in the third but D-Jay Jerome restored the 'Canes two goal advantage midway through the period following a controversial hit on Brandon captain Connor Gutenberg.

Kruger, who was recognized during the game for being chosen the TELUS Wheat King Player of the Month for September / October, made 29 saves in the Brandon net while Carl Tetachuk turned aside 29 Brandon shots for the win.

The second year Brandon netminder has now started ten consecutive games in the absence of veteran Jiri Patera. The Vegas Golden Knights prospect is currently listed day to day with a lower body injury.

The Wheat Kings will close out this 3-game home stand Tuesday night when another Central Division team - the Red Deer Rebels - pay a visit.

This will be the first "2 for Tuesday" of the 2019-20 season, which means in addition to the Keystone Centre and Center Plate offering a number of exciting concession specials, fans will receive a "free" ticket to this game with the purchase of another at the regular price.

The Keystone Centre box office will reopen on Monday morning but fans can order online between now and then at www.keystonecentre.com

Following Tuesday's game Brandon will hit the road for back to back road games next weekend, before returning home to host Winnipeg in its annual Remembrance Day game on Monday, November 11th.

Western Hockey League Stories from November 3, 2019

• Chiefs Earn Point in 3-2 Overtime Loss to Everett - Spokane Chiefs
• Tigers Stymied 5-2 in Vancouver - Medicine Hat Tigers
• Giants Earn a 5-2 Victory Sunday at Home against Medicine Hat - Vancouver Giants
• Rebels Edge Regina in OT - Red Deer Rebels
• Late Goal Earns Rebels a Point against Red Deer - Regina Pats
• Oil Kings Score Last Minute Victory over Hitmen - Edmonton Oil Kings
• Late Goal Dooms Hitmen - Calgary Hitmen
• Game Day Hub: November 3 - Portland Winterhawks
• Game 16 at Vancouver - Medicine Hat Tigers
• Calgary Hitmen Game Preview - Sunday, November 3 vs. Edmonton - Calgary Hitmen
• Game Day Preview: Pats Back on Home Ice to Take on Red Deer Sunday - Regina Pats
• Offense Never Gets Untracked in 6-0 Loss - Prince George Cougars
• Blades Take Two Points out of Calgary - Saskatoon Blades
• Wolf, Silvertips Hold off Kamloops, 3-2 - Everett Silvertips
• Royals Doubled up by Tigers - Victoria Royals
• Giants Kick off November with a 6-3 Road Victory in Kennewick - Vancouver Giants
• Americans Falter to Giants, 6-3 - Tri-City Americans
• Winterhawks Win First Battle with Seattle - Portland Winterhawks
• Hamblin's Hat Trick Helps Tigers Tame Royals 6-3 - Medicine Hat Tigers
• Arnold Notches First Career Shutout as Chiefs Blank Cougars - Spokane Chiefs
• Broncos Have No Luck in Loss to ICE - Swift Current Broncos
• Last Deficit Comes too Late for Hitmen to Answer - Calgary Hitmen
• Wheat Kings Fall to Hurricanes - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Warriors Fall to Raiders to End Weekend Schedule - Moose Jaw Warriors

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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