WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Wheat Kings Update

Published on February 9, 2006 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


GAME NOTES: The WHEAT KINGS hope to complete a sweep of a 2-game Western Hockey League series with the visiting LETHBRIDGE HURRICANES Friday night when the two teams collide at the Keystone Centre.BRANDON took the opener Wednesday night, scoring a 5-0 shutout of the 'CANES at Winnipeg's MTS Centre.TYLER DITTMER scored twice and veteran netminder TYLER PLANTE turned aside 24 LETHBRIDGE shots as the WHEAT KINGS moved four points up on the PRINCE ALBERT RAIDERS in the battle for the fourth and final playoff spot in the WHL's Eastern Division.COREY COURCHENE, TEEGAN MOORE and defenceman DARYL BOYLE also scored for the WHEAT KINGS, who improved their record to 2-1-0 on this current 5-game home stand that concludes Saturday night against the visiting MOOSE JAW WARRIORS.After losing 6-2 to KAMLOOPS last Wednesday, BRANDON came from behind to beat SWIFT CURRENT 2-1 last weekend.BRANDON is now 1-1-0 this season at the MTS Centre and 6-1-0 lifetime.Entering weekend play, the WHEAT KINGS sit with a record of 20-25-5-3, good for 48 points and a tie with the HURRICANES for sixth place in the Eastern Conference - eleven points back of the REGINA PATS.WHEATS are 2-1-0 in February after compiling a 7-4-2-1 mark during the month of January.they're 5-2-1-2 in their last ten games.At home, BRANDON is 13-8-4 while on the road the WHEATIES are 7-17-1-3.BRANDON is currently in a stretch that will see the WHEAT KINGS play seven of eight games on home ice.BRANDON has collected at least a point in eight of its last 9 home games.Since the end of November, BRANDON is six games over the .500 mark (15-9-2-1).

VS. LETHBRIDGE: This is the fourth meeting of the 2005-06 season between these two clubs.BRANDON is currently 2-1-0 vs. LETHBRIDGE and unbeaten (2-0-0) on home ice.TYLER DITTMER leads the WHEAT KINGS with three goals in three games against the 'CANES this season.BRANDON has outscored the 'CANES 13-5.

PLANTE TIES PENSTOCK: By recording his first shutout of the season Wednesday night, TYLER PLANTE moved into a tie with BYRON PENSTOCK for third place on the WHEAT KINGS' all time list for Most Career Shutouts in franchise history.The FLORIDA PANTHERS' second round draft choice, who established a club record for Most Shutouts in a Single Season (6) during the 2004-05 campaign, now has seven shutouts during his WHL career - one back of GLEN HANLON and JAMIE HODSON, who currently share the WHEAT KINGS' all time record with eight.

BOYLE / BURKI HONOURED: 18-year old defenceman DARYL BOYLE has been chosen the TIP TOP TAILORS WHEAT KING Player of the Month for January.In 14 games last month, the Lethbridge product was 1-4-5 and led the club with a plus 6 ranking.CODEY BURKI picked up the MOLSON CUP second segment honour.

WHO HAS BEEN HOT? TYLER PLANTE has improved his goals against average to 3.39 and his save percentage to .903 during the past two weeks. During the month of January, the 2005 WHL Rookie of the Year compiled a 2.20 goals against average and a .922 save percentage.Newly acquired blueliner DUSTIN KOHN is 0-6-6 in thirteen games since coming over from the CALGARY HITMEN. BRANDON is 7-3-1-2 since obtaining the NEW YORK ISLANDERS' second round draft choice.CODEY BURKI leads the club in scoring with seventeen goals and 37 points.Finnish forward SAMI SANDELL leads the club with 23 assists this year.Former Manitoba AAA MIDGET LEAGUE scoring champion TYLER DITTMER is currently 15th in WHL Rookie Scoring this season with ten goals and 28 points.

BRANDON BITS: BRANDON is 10-16-0 in one-goal games this season and 6-5-3 in overtime.On the mend - TYLER STRAUTMAN (shoulder) and KEITH AULIE (neck/shoulder).BRANDON has lost 158 man games to injury during the 2005-06 campaign.DUSTIN KOHN leads the club with a +10 ranking.WHEAT KINGS' powerplay was 0-5 on Wednesday night and remains last in the 20-team circuit (10.5%). BRANDON was 2-2 penalty killing against the 'CANES on Wednesday.Former Manitoba AAA Midget League scoring champion TYLER DITTMER is currently 15th in WHL Rookie scoring with 26 points.

For more information including stats and live real audio broadcasts, please visit http://www.wheatkings.com/gameday_scoutingreport.aspx?game_id=54

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Western Hockey League Stories from February 9, 2006


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