WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Wheat Kings Look To Rebound

Published on January 22, 2010 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, Manitoba -- The Brandon Wheat Kings will be hoping to take advantage of home ice Friday night when they look to salvage a split in this week's home and home series with the Prince Albert Raiders.

Thanks to a pair of powerplay goals on Wednesday, the Raiders dumped Brandon 4-1 to move into sole posession of seventh place in the Western Hockey League's Eastern Conference.

Losers of five of their last six road games, the Wheat Kings enter the weekend with a record of 30-16-0-3, good for 63 points. At home however, Brandon is 11-0-0-1 in its last twelve and will be hoping to bounce back as they continue to chase down the front running Saskatoon Blades in the Eastern Division.

The Blades currently lead the Conference by six points over Brandon, with three games in hand. The Wheat Kings will close out the weekend with a game in Saskatoon on Saturday.

While the Wheat Kings set their sights on first place, a number of teams continue to hunt down Brandon in the standings. Entering weekend play, the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup Hosts lead Calgary and Medicine Hat by one point and sit just two ahead of the surging Kootenay Ice, who have now won a franchise record thirteen straight games to move into contention for the Central Division lead.

Wednesday's win in Prince Albert also moved the Raiders to within ten points of Brandon.

Needless to say, the Wheat Kings need to bring their 'A' game each time out as the playoff stretch run swings into high gear.

"I think the reality is we're playing teams that are fighting for their playoff lives and because of that, they are playing with a lot of urgency and desperation," Wheat Kings' coach and general manager Kelly McCrimmon told the Brandon Sun after Wednesday night's loss. "And unless you are prepared to match that, you are going to have a tough time being successful."

Friday night's game will feature a special presentation to Crocus Plains volleyball star Lisa Barclay, who was recently chosen by western Manitoba hockey fans, as the Manitoba Blue Cross Performer of the Month. As well, fans attending Friday's game are encouraged to contribute to the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund as the Canadian Red Cross will have stations set up around the concourse.

Tickets to Friday night's game are on sale at the Keystone Centre box office, by calling 726-3555 or online at ticketmaster.ca

Friday's game will be Brandon's final home game of the month. The Wheat Kings won't return home to Westman Place until Wednesday, February 3rd when the Red Deer Rebels pay a visit.

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Western Hockey League Stories from January 22, 2010


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