Wheat Kings This Week: Wheat Kings Host East Division Rivals, Unveil Bjarnason Bobblehead
It’s been a long time since the Brandon Wheat Kings got to spend an entire week at home, but that’s exactly what’s waiting for them to open up March. They’ll have their first back-to-back weekend games on home ice since December 8 and 9.
On Friday, March 1, the Wheat Kings welcome the Prince Albert Raiders in the final, and decisive, game of a three-game series over the course of eight days. The two teams split the two games in Prince Albert, with the Wheat Kings winning the opening contest 3-2 on February 22 before losing the follow-up game 5-2 on February 24.
Sandwiched in between those two games against the Raiders was one of the most rousing victories of the season. Undermanned and road-weary, the Wheat Kings went up against a powerhouse Saskatoon Blades squad who had only lost once in regulation in their building all season long. Thanks to 34 saves from Carson Bjarnason and a pair of empty-net goals, the Wheat Kings handed the Blades their first loss of any kind in the SaskTel Centre since before Christmas.
All road trip long, however, the Wheat Kings had to contend with a severely depleted lineup. By the end of the trip, they were down to just nine forwards, one of whom, Brady Turko, was an affiliate player. They might get some reinforcements this weekend, as several players get closer and closer to a return, but with Rylen Roersma suspended through the weekend, their forward group is still a little under strength.
The good news is, in the absence of no fewer than five regulars up front, the remaining players stepped up in a huge way. Matteo Michels scored three times and added two assists, while Dominik Petr had six points in three games, including a shorthanded goal in the loss in Prince Albert. On the back end, Luke Shipley opened the scoring against the Blades, his third goal against them on the season.
On Friday night, the Wheat Kings will debut a limited-edition jersey in partnership with Assiniboine Community College. Then, on Saturday, the first 1000 fans through the door will receive a one-of-a-kind Bjarnason bobblehead.
