Wheat Kings this Week: Three Saskatchewan Opponents in Three Nights
February 20, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release
With lucky number 13 games to go in the season, the Brandon Wheat Kings are going to play two thirds of their remaining schedule on the road. That schedule includes another three-in-three stretch, this time all against divisional opponents.
On Thursday, the Wheat Kings will be in Prince Albert to face the Raiders, one of four games remaining against Prince Albert. All four of those games are going to have some added intensity, as the Wheat Kings are just four points up on the Raiders in the Eastern Conference standings.
So far this season, the Wheat Kings and Raiders have met four times and the season series to this point has tilted the Wheat Kings way. But even though Brandon has a 3-1 advantage in the series, the Raiders have the most recent victory, picking up a 7-3 win in Prince Albert on February 10.
"They (these games) are huge," said Wheat Kings forward Caleb Hadland. "With Prince Albert right behind us, Saskatoon already clinched, but we need these points to stay up with the pack and keep our heads level."
From there, the Wheat Kings will remain in central Saskatchewan as they take a trip about 125 kilometers south to face the Saskatoon Blades. The Blades remain the top team in the country, having lost just once in regulation since Christmas. Most recently, they beat the Wheat Kings 5-2 with an empty netter to take the lead in the season series 3-2.
From there, it's another trip back to Prince Albert on Saturday night to face the Raiders one more time before coming home. It's the final three-in-three of the season for the Wheat Kings, and their third in the last month.
"If we stay calm and remember what we do to have success and play the way we want to play, we'll have success," said forward Brett Hyland. "We don't need to get out of our game plan to try to win these."
A more balanced March schedule (four home games and six away contests) awaits the Wheat Kings once they're finished with this road trip, but the points in the standings are potentially huge before that temporary respite. They'll also be a little shorthanded, as several forwards remain out with injury.
Puck drop against the Raiders on Thursday, February 22, will be at 7:00.
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Western Hockey League Stories from February 20, 2024
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- Hyland Named 41st Captain in Wheat Kings History - Brandon Wheat Kings
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- February 20 - Canes Chatter Presented by Peka Rollshutters - Lethbridge Hurricanes
- Gardner Named WHL Rookie of the Week for Second Time this Month - Saskatoon Blades
- Wenatchee Defenseman Sward Named WHL Player of Week - Wenatchee Wild
- Giants Netminder Mirwald Named WHL Goalie of the Week Yet Again - Vancouver Giants
- WHL Announces Weekly Award Winners - WHL
- All Star, MVP Seasons Just the Beginning for Turko, Jacobson - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Rebels this Week - Red Deer Rebels
- Chiefs Slated for Wild Tuesday Night in Wenatchee - Spokane Chiefs
- Broncos Down Warriors in Family Day Fight at Innovationplex - Swift Current Broncos
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