WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Wheaties playoff picture unclear

Published on March 16, 2007 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, Manitoba -- Entering the final weekend of the 2006-07 Western Hockey League regular season, the Eastern Division pennant winning Brandon Wheat Kings still don't know who will be their first round playoff opponent.

After clinching their second pennant in three years and fourth in the past six seasons, the Wheat Kings have been waiting for the final three positions in the division to be decided.

With two games remaining this weekend, the Prince Albert Raiders are clinging to a one point lead on fifth place Moose Jaw and a two point edge of the last place Saskatoon Blades, in the race for the fourth and final playoff berth and a first round playoff date with Brandon.

Losers of five straight games, the Raiders host Saskatoon Friday in the opening game of a home and home season ending weekend series. A Prince Albert win tonight, coupled with a Moose Jaw loss in Swift Current would clinch a playoff berth for the Raiders, who are 2-8-0 over the course of their last ten games.

While the Raiders will close out the regular season in Saskatoon on Saturday, the Warriors will play the second of a weekend home and home series with the Broncos at the Civic Centre. Should a tiebreaker be needed, it would be played on Tuesday night.

Of the three teams battling for the final playoff spot, the Warriors have the best record in the last ten games (4-6-0). Saskatoon meanwhile is 3-7-0.

The Wheat Kings, who bring the curtain down on their regular season schedule with a weekend home and home series with Regina, beginning Friday night at the Keystone Centre, will host games one and two of their best of seven opening round playoff series on Friday and Saturday, March 23rd and 24th. Tickets to both games are on sale now at the Keystone Centre box office, by calling 726-3555 or online at ticketmaster.ca

Brandon will be putting a 9-game home ice winning streak on the line Friday night. The Wheat Kings haven't lost at the Keystone Centre since dropping a 3-1 decision to the visiting Saskatoon Blades on February 6th.

Friday night will mark the final regular season game at the Keystone Centre for at least three Wheat Kings - newly acquired Rob Klinkhammer, 5-year veteran Jeff Topilko and captain Mark Derlago.

Friday's game will also include several on ice presentations. WHL Commissioner Ron Robison will present longtime Wheat Kings' owner Bob Cornell with the prestigious Govenors Award before the game, 18-year old Elkhorn student Jordan Mitchell will be awarded the Wheat Kings' Maggie Janz Memorial Scholarship during the first intermission while Precision Toyota will unveil this year's winner of the Toyota Truck Never Quit Unsung Hero of the Year award during the second intermission.

Tickets to Friday's game - Tim Hortons Fan Appreciation Night - are on sale now at the Keystone box office. Fans can also order by phone (726-3555) or online at ticketmaster.ca.

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Western Hockey League Stories from March 16, 2007


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