TONIGHT IS MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT
Brandon, MB. — A family reunion and a Salute to Canadian Forces Base Shilo will headline tonight’s Western Hockey League game at Westman Place between the Brandon Wheat Kings and visiting Medicine Hat Tigers.
For the first time ever, the Quenneville brothers – Peter, John and David – will take to the same ice and face off against each other. Peter and John with the Wheat Kings and David patrolling the Medicine Hat blueline.
A former first round bantam draft selection of the Tigers, David was away at the World U17 Challenge in Sarnia two weeks ago when Brandon closed out its 7-game road trip in Medicine Hat.
In fifteen games this season, the 16-year old Quenneville has three goals and 5 points and is a +2.
As for his older brothers – Brandon captain Peter has five goals and 22 points while 18-year old John is averaging more than a point per game with seven goals and 17 points in thirteen games.
Tonight’s game is a battle between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference standings. However, both teams will be looking to bounce back from sub-par performances on Friday. While the Wheat Kings were losing 6-4 to Seattle, snapping a 6-game win streak, the Tigers fell 6-2 to the Pats in Regina.
The 16-4-1 Wheat Kings are currently four points up on second place Medicine Hat in the Conference.
In addition to being billed as a battle of the Eastern Conference leaders, the Wheat Kings will be donning a brand new look as the club looks forward to continuing the tradition of honouring CFB Shilo. For the first time ever, the Wheat Kings will wear special military theme jerseys, which will be auctioned off throughout the night.
The jersey will feature the CFB Shilo crest, recognized as a symbol of the Army in Manitoba. The crest features a stag and the motto “Ad Omnia Paratus”, which roughly translates “Ready for Anything”.
All proceeds from the sale of the jerseys, which will come to a close at the opening face-off of the third period, will go to the United Way of Brandon’s Community Fund, which benefits military families.
While two jerseys – John Quenneville and Quintin Lisoway – have already been purchased through two radio auctions on CKLQ and 94.7 Star FM, nineteen others will be part of tonight’s silent auction. Another one will be awarded later this month as part of the United Way jersey raffle.
Tables will be located inside the east, west and south main entrances to Westman Place and will be patrolled by both members of CFB Shilo and volunteers from the United Way.
For those fans wanting to participate but unable to attend, they’re encouraged to call or text the United Way at (204) 573-8177.
Tonight’s game will be the first of two special theme jersey nights, to be hosted by the Wheat Kings in 2014-15. In February, the Wheat Kings will present “Pink the Rink” in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.
Tickets to the game are on sale now at the Keystone Centre box office, by calling (204) 726-3555 or online at keystonecentre.com. Saturday is also another Brandon Source for Sports – SUBWAY Family Night. The $52 Wheat Kings Family Package includes two adult and two youth tickets, four 6″ subs and four souvenir programs. See store for details.
For more information on the United Way of Brandon & District Community Fund visit http://www.brandonuw.ca/
