Wheat Kings netminder Kraus named Mary Brown’s Chicken WHL Goaltender of the Week

Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today Brandon Wheat Kings netminder Jayden Kraus has been named Mary Brown’s Chicken WHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending Sunday, February 1.

Kraus, a 19-year-old product of Prince Albert, Sask., went 2-0-0-0 with a 1.45 goals-against average and .947 save percentage in three appearances this past week.

Them 6-foot-2, 210-pound puckstopper started his week with a 30-save effort Wednesday, January 28, as the Wheat Kings doubled up the Wenatchee Wild by a 6-3 score at Town Toyota Center. Kraus faced double-digit shot totals during the first two periods of the game, helping the Wheat Kings stake out a 4-3 lead. He was then perfect protecting the lead during the third period, turning aside all nine shots sent his way.

Friday, January 30, Kraus was once again sharp making 25 stops in a 7-1 win over the Tri-City Americans at Toyota Center in Kennewick, Wash. After the Wheat Kings built a 3-0 lead in the first period, Kraus rejected 18 of the 19 pucks put on net by Tri-City to backstop Brandon. He was perfect all night until his shutout bid was spoiled by the Americans with 12:11 remaining in the third period.

Saturday, January 31, Kraus was called upon in relief as the Wheat Kings continued an arduous seven-game road swing through the WHL’s U.S. Division. After the Chiefs established a 4-0 lead 14:31 into the first period, Kraus entered the contest and proceeded to make 16 saves on 16 shots, giving the Wheat Kings a chance to remain in the game.

In his first season with the Wheat Kings, Kraus is 9-10-1-0 with a 3.74 GAA, .893 SV%, and two shutouts in 24 appearances, splitting crease time with rookie netminder Filip Ruzicka.

Originally selected by the Victoria Royals in the third round (46th overall) of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft, the Wheat Kings acquired Kraus from the Royals on July 29. In 98 career WHL regular season games, Kraus is 42-31-5-6 with a 3.48 GAA, .893 SV%, and three shutouts.

Coming out of the weekend, the Wheat Kings (28-20-1-0) rank fourth in the WHL’s Eastern Conference.

Next up, Kraus and the Wheat Kings return to Assiniboine Credit Union Place this Friday, February 6 (7 p.m. CT) when they host the Calgary Hitmen (25-13-6-1). Catch all the action FREE on Victory+.

Mary Brown’s Chicken WHL Goaltender of the Week

September 22, 2025: Ethan Eskit, Victoria Royals
September 29, 2025: Logan Edmonstone, Kamloops Blazers
October 6, 2025: Parker Snell, Edmonton Oil Kings
October 14, 2025: Evan Gardner, Saskatoon Blades
October 20, 2025: Burke Hood, Vancouver Giants
October 27, 2025: Andrew Reyelts, Penticton Vees
November 3, 2025: Eric Tu, Calgary Hitmen
November 10, 2025: Michal Orsulak, Prince Albert Raiders
November 17, 2025: Anders Miller, Everett Silvertips
November 24, 2025: Harrison Boettiger, Kelowna Rockets
December 1, 2025: Joshua Ravensbergen, Prince George Cougars
December 8, 2025: Matthew Hutchison, Regina Pats
December 15, 2025: Eric Tu, Calgary Hitmen
December 22, 2025: Marek Sklenicka, Seattle Thunderbirds
December 29, 2025: Filip Ruzicka, Brandon Wheat Kings
January 5, 2026: Xavier Wendt, Tri-City Americans
January 12, 2026: Ethan Eskit, Victoria Royals
January 19, 2026: Carter Esler, Spokane Chiefs
January 26, 2026: Ethan McCallum, Penticton Vees

About the Western Hockey League

Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 23 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.