WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Wheaties to boast eight locals

Published on September 22, 2005 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, Manitoba -- The defending Western Hockey League Eastern Conference Champion Brandon Wheat Kings will have a league high eight local products on their roster when they take to the ice on Friday night to meet the visiting Regina Pats in this year's Coca Cola Home Opener at the Keystone Centre.

With one day to go before the curtain goes up on the 2005-2006 regular season, Wheat Kings' coach and general manager Kelly McCrimmon still has 27 players on his active roster including eight from Brandon.

That represents not only the largest local contingent of any team in the WHL, it is believed to be the most local products ever to be on the Wheat Kings' opening day roster.

Among the eight are veteran goalkeepers Tyler Plante and Mike Nichol, defenceman Riley Day and forwards Derek LeBlanc, Mark Derlago and Cole Hunter. Rounding out the "Brandon Boys" are rookies Tyler Dittmer, Andrew Clark and goalkeeper Kurt Jory. While Clark and Jory spent last season with the Manitoba Junior Hockey League's Neepawa Natives, Dittmer skated with the Brandon AAA midget Wheat Kings - a team that he helped lead to the National Title the year before.

In fact, Dittmer is one of four current Wheat Kings that played for that gold medal winning team, joining Clark, Plante and Jory.

Friday night's opener will feature a special pre-game tailgate party, outside the Keystone Centre, sponsored by M & M Meatshops and in support of Crohn's and Colitis. The hockey club will also unveil its two new championship banners, for winning both the East Division pennant and Eastern Conference title in 2005, as part of the on ice ceremonies to be presented by Operation ID.

EMI Music recording artist Amanda Stott will sing the national anthem while former Wheat Kings' captain Tim Konsorada will perform the ceremonial opening face-off.

Tickets to Friday's Coca Cola Home Opener are on sale now at the Keystone Centre box office. Fans can also call 726-3555 or go on line at ticketmaster.ca

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Western Hockey League Stories from September 22, 2005


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