WHEATIES SET TO TAKE ON BRUISERS IN STREET HOCKEY CLASSIC
Brandon, Manitoba — Brandon’s downtown will play host to the First Annual MTS Yellow Pages Street Hockey Classic this Saturday as the Western Hockey League’s Wheat Kings get set to take on Burton’s Bruisers.r
r
Saturday’s game is the grand prize in this year’s MTS Yellow Pages – Wheat King “Takin it to the Streets” contest that allowed children from across western Manitoba to enter for a chance to meet the Wheaties in a special 60 minute street hockey game.r
r
The game will be played in the parking lot behind Zeke’s Jewellers, on the corner of 9th street and Rosser Avenue – beginning at 11 a.m.r
r
Coaching the Wheat Kings will be captain Ryan Craig, who underwent successful knee surgery in Winnipeg last Friday. Leading his troops into battle will be defenceman Travis Young, left-winger Ryan Stone and goalkeeper Robert McVicar. Craig’s spot on the roster will be taken up by the team’s athletic trainer Rob Stouffer and the club will be bolstered by former defenceman Dwayne Gylywoychuk.r
r
Burton’s Bruisers will be captained by 9-year old Christopher Burton of 1108 Russell Street in Brandon. Christopher was this year’s grand prize winner.r
r
In addition to having the opportunity to face off against the Wheat Kings, Christopher will receive an autographed hockey stick, player cards and replica jersey. As well, his entire team will be treated to a special post-game lunch compliments of Brandon’s McDonalds Restaurants.r
r
In order to qualify for this year’s contest that ran during the months of January and February, children were asked to submit their best reason for wanting to play street hockey with the Wheat Kings.r
r
Following is a brief excerpt from his winning essay….r
r
“If I were picked to play street hockey with them I would make sure my friends that really like them would get to play and maybe help them score goals. It doesn’t matter who wins because we are all friends and just want to have fun…they are a cool hockey team…and we learn lots of things from watching them…”