Wheat Kings Win Home Opener

September 26, 2009 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release

Brandon, Manitoba -- The Brandon Wheat Kings won their 2009 Home Opener Friday night, blanking the visiting Swift Current Broncos 3-0 before close to 5,300 fans at Westman Communications Group Place.

Andrew Hayes posted his second straight shutout, making sixteen saves, as the Wheat Kings improved their record to 2-1-0 on the season.

After a scoreless opening period, the Wheat Kings jumped in front with two unanswered second period goals off the sticks of Jordan Hale and Mark Stone. Former Manitoba Junior Hockey League Rookie of the Year Jordan DePape rounded out the scoring with an empty net goal with just over a minute remaining in the third period.

Friday's shutout was Hayes' eighth of his Western Hockey League career, moving him into a tie for second place on the club's all time list with Jamie Hodson and Glen Hanlon. Only Tyler Plante, who recorded 12 shutouts during his Wheat Kings' career had more.

Among the players not in the lineup on Friday was 19-year old Swedish defenceman Alexander Urbom, who was reassigned to the WHL club on Thursday by the New Jersey Devils. Brandon's second pick in June's Canadian Hockey League Import Draft arrived in Winnipeg late Friday night.

The Wheat Kings, who outshot the Broncos 25-16, will close out the second weekend of the 2009-10 regular season on Saturday night in Moose Jaw. Brandon then returns home to face the Red Deer Rebels on Friday night. Tickets for that game as well as all remaining 35 regular season games will go on sale Monday at the Keystone Centre box office. Fans can also call 726-3555 or go online at ticketmaster.ca

Western Hockey League Stories from September 26, 2009

• Five third period goals pace Portland to a 6-1 win over Seattle - Portland Winterhawks
• Everett Defeats Vancouver In Shootout, 4-3 - Everett Silvertips
• Prab Rai scores second goal of season in 6-1 loss to Portland - Seattle Thunderbirds
• Oil Kings Win Two in a Row - Edmonton Oil Kings
• Seats Remain For Chiefs Opening Night On Saturday - Spokane Chiefs
• Wheat Kings Win Home Opener - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Hitmen Improve To 3-0 With Shootout Win In Medicine Hat - Calgary Hitmen
• Hughesman Lifts Tri-City To 4-3 Victory Over 'Hawks - Tri-City Americans
• Chilliwack Bruins Down T-Birds - Chilliwack Bruins
• T-Birds Fall To Bruins - Seattle Thunderbirds
• Winterhawks Fight Back from 3-1 Deficit; Fall 4-3 in Tri-Cities - Portland Winterhawks

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.

Other Recent Brandon Wheat Kings Stories

• Wheat Kings Acquire Mistelbacher and Burzynski from Swift
• Wheat Kings' Season Ends in Game Five Loss in Lethbridge
• Johnson's Third Period Heroics Extend Wheat Kings' Season
• Wheat Kings Fall in Hard-Fought Game Three Heartbreaker
• Wheat Kings Battle Hard in Close Game Two Loss