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WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Wheat Kings To Salute School Patrols

October 12, 2007 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, Manitoba - The Western Hockey League's Brandon Wheat Kings, in conjunction with Manitoba Public Insurance, Canexus, Pauls' Hauling and CAA Manitoba, have announced plans to honour western Manitoba School Patrols before this Saturday's game against the visiting Kootenay Ice at Westman Place.

Over five hundred school patrols from Brandon and surrounding area are expected to attend the game, compliments of the Wheat Kings, Brandon Police Service as well as the four participating sponsors. Among the many patrols will be Kirsten Brown of Linden Lanes School and Kate Thiessen of Oak Lake Community School, who will be invited to the ice to perform Saturday night's ceremonial opening face-off.

Oak Lake is one of a number of rural communities planning to send patrols to the game. The others include Minnedosa, Boissevain, Carberry, Hamiota, Melita, Virden, Shoal Lake and Killarney.

Saturday's game will be the second of a 5-game homestand for the Wheat Kings, who kick off the weekend Friday night with a game against the visiting Prince George Cougars. Winners of three straight games including back to back victories on the road last weekend, the Wheat Kings will be looking to improve on their 5-1-0 record. The Cougars meanwhile are 1-6-0 and have been outscored 36-19 in the process.

While Tyler Dittmer and Andrew Clark lead Brandon in scoring with ten points each, Prince George is led by 17-year old Sanford, Manitoba product Dale Hunt, who has four goals and 9 points in seven games this season. Friday's game will be the first of a 6-game Eastern road swing for the Cougars, who feature four National Hockey League drafted players - Ty Wishart (San Jose), Jesse Dudas (Columbus), Evan Fuller (Vancouver) and Dana Tyrell (Tampa Bay).

In addition to this weekend's game, the hockey club has announced a partnership with Manitoba Public Insurance and the Brandon Sun aimed at recognizing children who are part of their school's "Safety Patrol Unit". Once a month, patrol members from one Brandon school will enjoy lunch with members of the Wheat Kings, including Honorary School Patrol Captain Joe Caligiuri, compliments of Subway Restaruants.

This program is designed to recognize those children who volunteer their time in rain, snow or shine to help keep the streets safe for other children. It is also designed in a manner to attract new patrollers through the recognition and benefits of being a part of their school's Safety Patrol unit. Part of the program will also provide the Wheat Kings, Manitoba Public Insurance and the Brandon Police Service a forum to relate important safety messages to Brandon and area students.

The School Safety Patrol Program in Canada, as in over 20 other countries around the world, has become a successful and respected safety program. It's proven safety record is unequalled by any other program of its type.

Through this program, combined with both "Read to Succeed" and "Join the Team", the Wheat Kings will again have a very strong presence and influence in local elementary schools.

While the CIBC Read to Succeed program kicked off the new school term earlier this week in Glenboro, another year of Join the Team officially got underway this week with several visits to area schools. Aimed at middle school students, this program promotes a healthy, alcohol and drug free living and encourages youth to chase positive goals and develop their talents.

Tickets to both of Brandon's games this weekend are on sale now at the Keystone Centre box office, by calling 726-3555 or online at ticketmaster.ca

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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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