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WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Wheat Kings this Week: Final Non-Conference Opponent Precedes Roster Deadline

January 8, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


The final BC-based opponent of the season for the Brandon Wheat Kings is coming to Westoba Place just in time for some old fashioned prairie weather. In their final game before the trade deadline, on Tuesday, January 9, the Wheat Kings are set to host the Victoria Royals.

Scoring goals hasn't been a problem for the Wheat Kings all season but they'll be looking to restart the offense on Tuesday night after being shut out in back-to-back games. Most recently, they were blanked against the Vancouver Giants despite amassing 48 shots on goal.

"We generated a lot of shots against Vancouver, but we've got to work on getting inside the dots," said Wheat Kings head coach and GM Marty Murray. "I thought we were a little on the perimeter. Their goalie played really well, but at the same time he saw a lot of pucks. We've got to get back to the nitty gritty, getting our noses in there and getting around the net."

A lot of shots against Vancouver may have been an understatement, especially in the second period. In that middle frame alone, the Wheat Kings bombarded the Giants with 29 shots, which is more than they've had in 13 of their full games this season.

"We've had a couple where we've had about 20 (shots) this year, really good periods," said Murray. "We put 29 up in the second and we were really unfortunate to lose the period 1-0. I think we generated some chances, but at the same time, they're not going to go in that easily. Our details have to be air-tight and we have to get to the dirty areas."

When the game against Victoria ends, the Wheat Kings are officially done with out of conference opponents. Their schedule from there on is populated largely by teams they're jockeying with for position in the Eastern Conference, starting with the Swift Current Broncos who are neck-and-neck with the Wheat Kings in the standings.

"Every night is kind of a playoff game right now," Murray said. "We haven't played as many games lately and we lose two in a row and all of a sudden you drop in the standings significantly. Every game is important, and tomorrow night will be no different."

Though the contest with the Royals is the last one before the looming trade deadline, Murray pointed out that one game isn't going to make or break any players or force the team into any rash decisions.

"It's a work in progress and it changes by the hour," he said. "We're listening to a lot of different scenarios. At the end of the day, we have to do what's right for our group both short term and long term. Our guys just have to focus on playing."

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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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