It's been a busy week in the Wheat City and specifically at Westoba Place.
The Brandon Wheat Kings have started up their camps as the rookies hit the ice earlier this week looking to gain a spot in "Main Camp" which began this morning at 8:30.
"Rookie Camp consisted of 54 players and I think our scouting staff and hockey operations did a fantastic job of filling that camp," said David Anning, Head Coach. "And, from there several players moved on to Main Camp because they performed well in the first two days. Our veterans were able to come in and we put them through fitness testing, and we're encouraged with those results."
"Now as we go through Main Camp, the competition gets much stiffer and faster," added Anning. "We're looking forward to the weekend and beyond."
As the camp unfolds, the Wheat Kings will look to assemble the best team possible. Thankfully for the Wheaties, some decisions on which players to keep and which to cut won't be easy. But, as an organization that's exactly what you always want.
One of the positions that could be the most interesting is between the pipes. Dylan Myskiw returns after taking the reigns last year in the playoffs when Logan Thompson was injured early in their first-round series against Medicine Hat. However, just because he played last year certainly doesn't mean he has a spot locked up.
The team picked up Czech born Jiri Patera in the CHL Import Draft, and it's expected one day that Patera will make it big. The Vegas Golden Knights draft pick will take part in Knights rookie camp early next month. Also fighting for a spot is Ethan Kruger and Connor Ungar. Kruger was the backup to Myskiw in last year's postseason.
"I think there's going to be many tough decisions here," added Anning. "The goaltending position is definitely an interesting one. We were pretty fortunate to pick up Patera and we like what he's brought to camp. We also have 17 position players that are returning from last year, and we have a bunch of young guys who are fighting to make this team that we're pretty excited about."
"It's an exciting time to see all these players go through camp and the preseason as they try to make the team," added Anning.
Heading into this season, some work the Wheat Kings did last year was a foundation for success this year and going forward. At the trade deadline, the organization traded star players Kale Clague and Tanner Kaspick.
This allowed the team to pick up some prospects and players who could be on the roster this year, and even players who made a difference last season.
Two of the players who made an impact that came through those trades were Luka Burzan and Chase Hartje. Burzan had 21 points in 30 games in the regular season for the team and added another seven in 11 postseason games. Hartje had eight regular-season points in 27 games with the Wheaties and added another two points in 11 playoff games.
"Both those guys contributed in the second half of the season and they've looked good so far here this week," said Anning. "Now Ty Thorpe's a guy who we got through the trade and he's pushing hard to try and make the team this year. It was a tough day for our organization getting rid of those extremely talented loyal players, but we believe it put us in a good spot heading into this season and the future."
A Look Back:
The Wheat Kings went 40-27-3-2 last season which earned them the top Eastern Conference Wildcard spot. In the first round, the team beat Medicine Hat in six games. Lethbridge then ended the Wheaties season in the next series in six games.
"I think that whole playoff experience was great for our team," said Anning. "Our young group got the chance to feel what it's like to play in the playoffs and when games ramp up that much more.
Brandon begins their preseason next Friday as they take on the Regina Pats in a home and home. After the four preseason games, Anning and the Wheaties begin their regular season on September 21 against the Moose Jaw Warriors.
"I think we're excited with our returning group for sure," said Anning. "We're just focused on ourselves and improving how we play, and if we continue to work hard, I'm confident we'll be able to put a good group of players on the ice."
In Brandon?
If by chance you are, you can head down to Westoba Place to catch the action all weekend long for free!
Fun Facts
David Anning was an Assistant Coach in the 2010 season for the Dauphin Kings when they won the Anavet Cup. Anning also spent time with the former Winnipeg Saints and Steinbach Pistons in the MJHL.
The Winnipeg native is set to enter his third season as the Head Coach for the Wheat Kings.
