WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Wheaties to welcome 2PPCLI

Published on September 22, 2004 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, Manitoba - In recognition of it's recent move to Canadian Forces Base Shilo, the Western Hockey League's Brandon Wheat Kings have announced plans to honour The Second Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry before this Friday's regular season opener against Regina at the Keystone Centre.

The Second Batallion's commanding officer, Lt. Col. Stuart Sharpe will peform the ceremonial opening face-off, to officially kick off the 2004-2005 Western Hockey League season.

It seems only fitting that the Wheat Kings will bring the curtain up on the new season with a game against the Pats, since Regina's WHL franchise was named after the Princess Patricia Light Infantry, following the conclusion of World War 1.

The PPCLI was the first Canadian regiment to see service in the war and was Canada's esteemed army corps. The Regiment began with 1098 officers and men. Almost all of them had been born in England and emigrated to Canada. In fact, many of the original members were living in Regina and surrounding area at the time the First World War broke out. Princess Patricia, granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was appointed as the Regiment's first Colonel in Chief. Regina's hockey club went by the name Patricia's until 1923 when it was shortened to the Pats.

In addition to it's heroic efforts during the First World War, the Patricia's were mobilized for active service in 1939 after hostilities broke out at the beginning of World War II. After three years of training in the United Kingdom, the Patricia's landed in Sicily as part of the 8th Army and later assisted the liberation of Holland.

Following the invasion of South Korea by the Chinese Communist dominated North Koreans in 1950, a Second Battalion of the Regiment was formed again. One year later, the 2PPCLI joined the 27th British Commonwealth Brigade and became the first Canadian Infantry Batallion to be involved in the Korean conflict. In recognition of "outstanding heroism and exceptionally meritorious conduct", the unit was awarded the United States Presidential Unit Citation. This Citation is worn with honour by all serving members of the 2PPCLI.

With the exception of a four year stint in West Germany between 1984 and 1988 as part of the Canadian Forces in Europe, the Second Battalion has called Winnipeg its home for the past 34 years. This past June, 2PPCLI said a final farewell to Winnipeg and Kapyong Barracks by conducting a Sunset ceremony. The Battalion now looks forward to establishing a strong relationship with Brandon and southwestern Manitoba.

Lt. Col. Sharpe will be assisted by Regimental Sergeant Major Ward Brown while Master Warrant Officer Chris Waugh will perform the national anthem at Friday's home opener. As well, the Wheat Kings and it's major sponsors - Coca Cola, McDonalds, Monsanto, Molson Canadian, Simplot and The Brandon Sun will present special pre-game player introductions and fireworks show.

Tickets to Friday's Coca Cola Home Opener are on sale now at the Keystone Centre box office, by calling 726-3555 or on line at Ticketmaster.ca. As of Tuesday afternoon, less than 2,500 tickets had been purchased for the game. The first 3,000 in attendance will receive a Wheat Kings' Cheering Towel, courtesy of M & M Meatshops and Operation ID.

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Western Hockey League Stories from September 22, 2004


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