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WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Wheaties And Pats Renew Rivalry

March 14, 2008 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Regina, Saskatchewan -- First place may not be on the line this weekend but that won't stop the Brandon Wheat Kings or Regina Pats from heating up what has become a bitter Western Hockey League Eastern Division rivalry.

The Wheat Kings travel to Regina Friday for what will be the first of a home and home weekend series with the Pats, who clinched their first Eastern Division pennant in ten years on Wednesday when they edged the Warriors 5-4 in Moose Jaw.

Brandon meanwhile moved past the Warriors and into a second place tie with Swift Current when they defeated the visiting Prince Albert Raiders 4-3 on Andrew Clark's third period powerplay goal.

While the Pats are poised to celebrate their first division title in a decade, the Wheat Kings are preparing for what will be their fifteenth playoff appearance in the past sixteen years. In fact, since Regina won the division back in 1998, the Wheat Kings have finished on top of the division on four occasions, including twice in the past four seasons.

Entering the final weekend of regular season play that wraps up for both teams Saturday night at Westman Place, the Wheat Kings are still battling with a number of teams for playoff positioning. In addition to being tied with Swift Current for second in the division, they're also tied for 6th place in the Eastern Conference - four points behind fifth place Medicine Hat and just one point up on the eighth place Warriors.

Moose Jaw and Swift Current kick off a weekend home and home series tonight.

Tonight's game in Regina is the seventh meeting of the season between these two teams, with each club winning three times. At the Brandt Centre in Regina, the Wheat Kings are 1-2-0.

As for the playoffs, all we know at this point is this - the Wheat Kings will open up on Easter Weekend on the road, with games three and four to be played at Westman Place the following week, dates of which will be confirmed on Monday.

Brandon could finish anywhere from fifth to eighth in the conference and could face anyone of five teams - Kootenay, Calgary, Medicine Hat, Regina and Lethbridge - in the playoffs.

Tickets to Saturday's regular season finale, to feature a special Salute to Tim Bits hockey, as well as Brandon's first two playoff home games are on sale now at the Keystone box office. Fans can also purchase online at ticketmaster.ca or by calling 726-3555.

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