WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Wheat Kings to Salute Agriculture Friday

Published on November 22, 2018 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, MB. - The Brandon Wheat Kings will be hoping to bounce back on track Friday night when they close out a season high six game Western Hockey League home stand at Westoba Place against the Lethbridge Hurricanes

Losers of back to back games and three of their last five, the Wheat Kings have been outscored 10-1 in their last two and coach David Anning says they need to be better in a number of areas if they hope to get back on track.

"We need to get our team game in the right place," Anning told Perry Bergson of the Brandon Sun. "If you look at our forecheck...we're too spread out...if you look at our play through the neutral zone, a lot of swinging and hope plays. We were in the wrong spots, giving up odd-man rushes."

"Our team game needs to take a step and get better," he went on to say.

Defensively, the Wheat Kings are missing two key veterans. Both Braden Schneider and Schael Higson are out with lower body injuries, which places a great deal of pressure on a young blueline, which currently features four rookies.

Meanwhile up front, the club has struggled in creating scoring chances and when they do get them the Wheat Kings have been unable to convert.

"A lot of it starts in our end," says Brandon defenceman Zach Wytinck. "(Tonight) was a perfect example of us being pretty scrambly in our own end. With that, we were a little in touch to generate any offence."

Friday's game is the third meeting of the season between these two clubs, with each team winning on home ice.

The Wheat Kings doubled up on Lethbridge 8-4 during the second week of the season before dropping a 2-1 decision in Lethbridge in late October.

Brandon enters the game with a record of 10-6-3-3 while the 'Canes are 10-8-2-2.

Friday is Salute to Agriculture Night at Westoba Place, with members of the Wheat Kings taking to the ice in special theme jerseys, in support of 4-H Manitoba.

The jerseys, which are black with distinctive gold wheat sheaves dominating both the arms and trim, will be auctioned off at concourse displays throughout the game. The deadline for fans to enter a bid will be the opening face-off of the third period.

One jersey however, belonging to rookie forward Lynden McCallum, will be auctioned off Friday morning between 8-9am on Q Country Radio. For those wanting to get into the action and place a bid on jersey #20, can call (204) 725-2525.

In addition to the in game and radio auctions, fans attending the game will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win a 4-H theme jersey. Tickets will be sold for $2 or three for $5 and the draw will be made during the third period.

Meanwhile anyone wanting to place a bid that can't be at the rink on Friday, can do so by calling 4-H Manitoba directly at (204) 573-7335 or by email to crobins@4h.mb.ca. The deadline for pre-game reserve bids will be 6pm Friday night.

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Western Hockey League Stories from November 22, 2018


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