WHEAT KINGS EDGE WARRIORS
Brandon, MB. — In what was their first home game in three weeks, the Brandon Wheat Kings treated their fans to a come from behind 3-2 victory over the visiting Moose Jaw Warriors Friday night.
Nick Buonassisi’s goal with 4:50 remaining in the third period lifted Brandon to the win, snapping a 2-game winless streak and improving their 2012-13 record to 8-6-2-1 on the season.
The Wheat Kings, who returned earlier in the week from a 7-game thirteen day western road swing that saw them post a 2-3-1-1 record found themselves down 2-1 early in the third period when the Warriors struck on the powerplay.
Rookie Jayce Hawryluk evened the score at 6:44 and sent close to 3,900 fans, who braved the first western Manitoba snowstorm of the year, into celebration. That seemed to lift the Wheat Kings and set the stage for Buonassisi’s eventual game winner.
“We sure are happy with the win tonight, especially after we got into penalty trouble early and battled our way through that,” Hawryluk told Bruce Luebke on CKLQ’s post-game show. “I’m pretty excited about the win and helping the team out, that’s for sure.”
Tim McGauley rounded out the scoring for the Wheat Kings in a game that was physical throughout and featured a number of hard hits and big fights.
Netminder Corbin Boes was easily the game’s first star, stopping forty shots.
Brandon continues their five-game home stand on Saturday night – Brandon Source for Sports Family Night – when they host the Calgary Hitmen at Westman Place. The $48 Source for Sports Family Pack includes 2 adult and 2 youth tickets, 4 6″ subs from Subway and 4 Wheat King programs.
A busy weekend concludes Sunday afternoon for the Wheat Kings, who will host their 2012 Scotiabank Skills Day at 2pm. Tickets for Sunday’s event are just $2 and proceeds from the game will go to Hockey Brandon programs.
