Thursday, February 3, 2011

WHEAT KINGS LOSE MELNYCHUK

Press Release

Brandon, MB. – The Western Hockey League’s Brandon Wheat Kings have learned that veteran defenceman Brodie Melnychuk has been lost indefinitely with a broken leg.

The Wheat Kings’ active leader in games played (249) in a Brandon uniform, Melnychuk suffered the injury in a game against the Saskatoon Blades on January 11th and while initial tests proved negative, x-rays this week revealed a fracture to his left leg.

The 19-year old Balgonie, Saskatchewan native, who finished third in the WHL last season with a +46 plus / minus rating, has five goals and 25 points in 48 games this season. During his 4-year WHL career, he has 71 points including fifteen goals.

The loss of the 6’3.5” 198 lb blueliner leaves Brandon with six defenceman, including five rookies on its active roster. 18-year old veteran Ryley Miller joins rookies Ryan Pulock (16), Eric Roy (16), Jordan Fransoo (17), Spencer Galbraith (17) and Rene Hunter (17).


Brandon kicks off a pivotal week of games Wednesday night against the visiting Swift Current Broncos. Game time is 7 p.m. and tickets are on sale now at the Keystone Centre box office, by calling 726-3555 or online at ticketmaster.ca. The Wheat Kings will close out the week with games against the visiting Regina Pats on Friday and a return match against the Broncos on Saturday in Swift Current.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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