WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Wheat Kings Welcome Flyers Second Rounder Bjarnason Back

September 28, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Slowly but steadily, reinforcements from NHL camps have been trickling in for the Brandon Wheat Kings. The latest returnee offers them some of the best stability between the pipes in the WHL.

The Wheat Kings are pleased to announce goaltender Carson Bjarnason has returned from the Philadelphia Flyers. Bjarnason was the Flyers' second-round pick, 51st overall, in the 2023 NHL entry draft and has signed his first contract with the team.

"Carson is an elite goalie at our level," said Wheat Kings head coach and GM Marty Murray. "He had a good summer and got some valuable experience at the pro level. Hopefully he can come back riding high off that experience in camp."

Bjarnason was the team's clear starter last season, playing 47 games and finishing with a .900 save percentage. He's got a little time to practice with the team and make the adjustment after the past two weeks of dealing with NHL-caliber shooters.

"It's obviously a transition," Bjarnason said. "You try not to have that layover and that lag that guys talk about, especially coming back, it kind of goes both ways. I'm just catching up to the pace and making sure I'm getting my work in every day."

During his time in Philadelphia, Bjarnason also gained invaluable experience learning from a goaltender who has been through the process before in Carter Hart. Like Bjarnason, Hart was a second-round pick by the Flyers out of the WHL.

"It was really neat," said Bjarnason. "He's one of my player comparisons and idols that I like to model my game after. It was cool to catch up with him and get to know what he does on and off the ice."

The Wheat Kings play two games this weekend, one on the road against the Moose Jaw Warriors on Friday, September 29, then at home on Saturday, September 30 for their first matchup of the season against the Swift Current Broncos. On Saturday, fans are in for a treat as the team unveils their new third jersey. It will also be a night to recognize Indigenous culture as part of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Pick up your tickets HERE.

While Murray said the coaches haven't yet decided how a split might look, it's safe to say Bjarnason will start at least one of them.

"He's got the draft out of the way, he's got signing a contract out of the way and those are nice things for him," said Murray. "Now he can go out and focus on being a Brandon Wheat King."

In a corresponding move, the Wheat Kings have reassigned goaltender Nicholas Jones. The Wheat Kings would like to thank him for all of his hard work and dedication both on the ice and in the community during his time in Brandon, and wish him the best going forward.

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Western Hockey League Stories from September 28, 2023


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