Monday, August 22, 2011

IMPORT DRAFT PICKS APPROVED

Press Release

Brandon, MB. – The Brandon Wheat Kings have announced that Hockey Canada has approved the transfer cards for their 2011 Import Draft picks and the hockey club expects to have both players on the ice next week when their Western Hockey League Training Camp gets underway at Westman Communications Group Place.

Wheat Kings’ general manager Kelly McCrimmon has confirmed that Swiss forward Alessio Bertaggia and center Bruno Mraz of Slovakia will arrive in Brandon later this week, in preparation for this year’s Camp that is scheduled to begin next week.

A 5’8” 165 pound left-winger, Bertaggia was Brandon’s first selection (33rd overall) in this year’s Canadian Hockey League Import Draft. The 5’11” 176 lb Mraz meanwhile was the Wheat Kings second pick and 62nd overall selection in June.

The 18-year old Bertaggia had a goal and three assists in 29 games with HC Lugano of the Switzerland's top men's pro league last season. He also had 22 goals and 37 points in 20 junior games. Mraz had 15 goals and 37 points in 32 games with the Bratislava junior team.

Wheat Kings’ Training Camp officially gets underway on Tuesday, August 30th when the rookies arrive. On ice sessions will begin the following day. Veterans are scheduled to report on Monday, August 29th.

The hockey club’s annual Intrasquad game is scheduled for Sunday, September 4th.

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

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