WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Wheat Kings Hit the Road

Published on April 12, 2016 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Moose Jaw, SK. - The Brandon Wheat Kings will be hoping to take a commanding 3-0 lead in their Western Hockey League Conference Semi-Final series when they face off against the Warriors in Moose Jaw tonight.

Winners of six straight playoff games, including the first two in this best of seven series, the Wheat Kings know how important game three can be. In fact, all they have to do is look back to their opening round series with the Edmonton Oil Kings, who won games one and two.

"Any time you're up 2-0 you have to make sure that you capitalize on the opportunity," Brandon center Tim McGauley told the Brandon Sun. "We know what it's like to be down 2-0, you're fighting for your life. They're going to be playing for their life for sure so we have to make sure we come out for Game 3 buzzing and focus on our game."

After coming from behind in Friday's series opener and winning on a third period shorthanded goal by Tanner Kaspick, the Wheat Kings dominated game two, outshooting the Warriors 50-27.

"I thought our work ethic was really good, I thought offensively we had pretty good balance," Brandon coach and general manager Kelly McCrimmon told the Brandon Sun. "I think that really helped our team just in terms of territorial advantage."

"It's going to be hard to win in Moose Jaw and we'll need to continue to get better here over the course of the series if we're going to have success," McCrimmon added. "It's a race to four for both teams so obviously the next game is big for both teams."

As for the Warriors, head coach Tim Hunter expects changes - both in terms of personnel and effort.

"We'll reset and move ahead and assess what our lineup will be Tuesday night," he told The Moose Jaw Times Herald. "I dont really care what you did in the first round of the playoffs. It's over. We're playing a different team. This is a bettern team and you have to battle harder in the second round of the playoffs...it gets harder."

The Wheat Kings won all four games at Mosaic Place this season and seven of eight overall during the regular season series between the two teams.

Brandon led all Eastern Conference teams, compiling a 23-10-3-0 road record during the regular season. During their first round come from behind series against Edmonton, the Wheat Kings won all three.

Moose Jaw meanwhile was 20-13-2-1 at home this season.

Game four of the series will be played Wednesday night, with game five (if necessary) scheduled for Friday night at Brandon's Westman Communications Group Place.

This marks the first time in ten years that the Wheat Kings and Warriors have met in post-season play.

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Western Hockey League Stories from April 12, 2016


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