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WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Wheat Kings Relentlessly Hound Blades in Home Win

October 29, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


In the third period against the Moose Jaw Warriors on Thursday, October 28, the Brandon Wheat Kings were relentless on the forecheck, alert defensively, and generally sound. On Saturday, October 28, in front of the biggest crowd of the season, they did it all again.

Quinn Mantei and Roger McQueen scored in a dominant first period and Carson Bjarnason was stellar with 27 saves as the Wheat Kings took down the Saskatoon Blades 2-1. Trevor Wong supplied the only goal for Saskatoon, while Austin Elliott was excellent himself, stopping 40 of 42 shots thrown his way.

Buoyed by a crowd of over 4800, the Wheat Kings rocketed out of the starting gate, but it took a near-perfect shot to finally give them the lead. Mantei joined the rush and took a feed from Rylen Roersma before rifling home a perfect shot to make it 1-0.

The Wheat Kings had two power plays in the first period, lasting a combined 3:57, and they spent roughly 3:50 of it in the offensive zone. Nate Danielson pounded a shot at the net, and McQueen was right on the doorstep waiting for the rebound, which he cashed.

"We're just moving really well and it's (the power play) been going really well," McQueen said. "Super fluid on the flanks and it was a good play across from Dominik Petr to (Danielson) and it was just sitting there for me."

Those were the highlights of the first period, but by no means the only things the Wheat Kings did right. By the time the first was out, they had 20 shots to the Blades four.

"I think that was our best period of the season so far," said head coach and GM Marty Murray. "We just did everything right. The way we managed the puck, and made plays when they were there, and when they weren't we played the puck to safe areas... To a man, one through twenty, we were outstanding in the first period."

It turned out that was all the offense the Wheat Kings would need, but that didn't stop them looking for more. They amassed a total of 42 shots on net, forcing Elliott to make some show-stopping saves. At the other end, Bjarnason matched him, only to see his shutout spoiled with 13 seconds to go when Wong knocked home the rebound of a shot attempt that hit several bodies before leaking through.

Despite the late goal, the Wheat Kings held on for their second straight home win. Their next home game is against the Prince George Cougars on November 1.

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