Saturday, January 18, 2014

Wheat Kings announce partnership with Tournament of Champions

Press Release

Brandon, MB. -- The Western Hockey League's Brandon Wheat Kings have announced plans to become active participants in the 2014 Hockey Brandon Tournament of Champions next month.

The Tournament, which will run through the first two weekends in February, will feature teams from across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Northwestern Ontario.

In addition to attending the event's kick-off Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, February 8th, the Wheat Kings have named their players as "Honorary" coahces to the eight Brandon teams that will be competing in the annual event.

As Honorary coaches, the Wheat Kings will attend a team practice before the tournament as well as being on hand for some of their respective team's games in February.

Following is the list of teams and Wheat Kings participating in this year's program:

Bantam AAA
Ryan Pulock and Jesse Gabrielle

Bantam AA
Jordan Papirny, Chad Robinson, Richard Nejezchleb

Pee Wee AA
Jens Meilleur, Brett Kitt, Jayce Hawryluk

Pee Wee 12A
Eric Roy, Tyler Coulter, Rihards Bukharts

Atom AA
Colton Waltz, Braylon Shmyr, Rene Hunter

11A Wheat Kings
Kord Pankewicz, John Quenneville, Peter Quennveille

Atom 10A
Taylor Green, Quintin Lisoway, Tim McGauley

9A Wheat Kings
Ryley Lindgren, Ryan Pilon, Curtis Honey

Of the Wheat Kings participating, several have participated in the City of Brandon Tournament of Champions in recent years, including Pulock (Grandview), Lisoway (Neepawa), Robinson (Minnedosa), Kitt and Coulter (Brandon).

The Atoms and Pe Wees will be hitting the ice during the Feb. 6-9th weekend while the Bantams will be skating from Feb. 13th - 16th.

In other Wheat Kings related news, three members of the hockey club will be off to Deloraine tonight for another Canadian Tire Minor HOckey Caravan visit - presented by the Construction Association of Rural Manitoba (CARM).

Veteran goalkeeper Curtis Honey will be joined by defenceman Kord Pankewicz and former Brandon AAA Midget Wheat King Tyler Coulter.

In addition to skating with members of the Deloraine Novice, Atoms and Pee Wees, the Wheat Kings will be available for autographs and photos at the arena. As well, tickets will be distributed to all members of Deloraine minor hockey for the Saturday, January 25th Western League game against the visiting Prince George Cougars.

Next Saturday's game is Matt Calvert Bobblehead Night, presented by MTS Connect and its three Brandon retailers.

The Wheat Kings meanwhile will close out their current 5-game homestand this Friday night when the Eastern Division leading Swift Current Broncos pay a visit to Westman Place.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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