WALKER HOPES TO RETURN
Brandon, MB. — The Western Hockey League’s Brandon Wheat Kings hope to have veteran right-winger Brenden Walker in the lineup this weekend when they play host to both the Swift Current Broncos on Friday and Saskatoon Blades on Saturday.
The Wheat Kings, who opened up this week’s home and home series with a 6-5 Overtime victory over the Broncos in Swift Current on Wednesday, enter the weekend with a 2-1-0 record.
A 19-year old Ste. Anne, Manitoba native, Walker hasn’t played a game since last year’s playoffs after suffering a concussion against the Medicine Hat Tigers. However, the former Portage Terrier has practiced without restrictions this week and could be given the green light to play this weekend.
“It’s just making me stronger as a person and it’s making me better as person so I’m not going to be negative about it,” Walker told CKLQ’s Bruce Luebke on Thursday. “This is just a positive now, 100 per cent, and I’m just going to go out and do my best.”
Walker finished sixth in team scoring last season with 25 goals and 52 points in 70 games and should help to provide some secondary scoring for the WHL club that has seen ten of its first 13 goals this year scored by three players – Paul Ciarelli (3), Alessio Bertaggia (5) and captain Mark Stone (2).
Walker told CKLQ that he is looking forward to making his season debut.
“I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing, I’m not going to change much,” Walker said. “I have to forget about everything, just think I’m healthy and that’s all that counts…just go play my game out there, work with my teammates, be a leader and I think I’ll be just fine.”
Tickets to both weekend home games are on sale at the Keystone Centre box office, by calling 726-3555 or online at ticketmaster.ca
The first 2,500 fans attending Friday’s game will receive a 2011-12 Wheat Kings’ Fridge Magnet Schedule – compliments of Manitoba Hydro PowerSmart.
Saturday night meanwhile is the first Source for Sports – Subway Family Night. The $48 4-ticket package, that includes four 6″ subs and soft drinks are on sale now at Brandon Source for Sports.
