PATRICK UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL SURGERY

Brandon, MB. – The Western Hockey League Champion Brandon Wheat Kings have announced that all star center Nolan Patrick has undergone successful sports hernia surgery.

Patrick, who was chosen the 2016 WHL Playoff Most Valuable Player, will attend but will be unable to participate at this summer’s National Junior Development Camp, scheduled later this month. However, he does expect to be ready for the start of Wheat Kings’ Training Camp at the end of August at Westman Communications Group Place.

The surgery was performed by Dr. James Robinson at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg.

A former WHL Rookie of the Year, who is expected to be a high first round selection in the 2017 National Hockey League Draft, became the first 17-year old Wheat King in close to forty years to collect 100 points in a single season when he scored 41 goals and 102 points during the 2015-16 campaign.

The fourth overall pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft, followed that up by scoring thirteen goals and 30 points in 21 playoff games as the Wheat Kings beat Seattle in five games to clinch their first League Championship in twenty years.

“It’s disappointing, but I’d rather have it now than in the middle of the season,” Patrick told the Winnipeg Free Press Monday.

“There’s going to be a lot of hockey played this year,” he said. “It’s going to be a fun year and another good team this year. Obviously, we’d like to get back to the Memorial Cup.”

Since joining the Wheat Kings in 2014, Patrick has scored 70 goals and 159 points in 130 career games.