The push to the 2019-20 preseason continues for the Brandon Wheat Kings. After wrapping up their camp over the weekend with the Canad Inns Intrasquad game, the team will play the Winnipeg ICE in a home-and-home this weekend.
Leading up to that game, the team will take part in several off-ice activities throughout the week, and they’ll spend plenty of time on the ice as well.
After Cole Reinhardt scored three times in the intrasquad game, the organization trimmed its roster to 32.
Of the 32 still in Brandon, there is a ton of experience. Jiri Patera, Connor Ungar, and Ethan Kruger combined to play 74 games in net last year for Brandon. Patera, of course, saw the bulk of that with 48 games played.
Defensively, Zach Wytinck is back for his final season, and he will be relied upon to play in the most important situations. Last year, he played in 65 games. In all, seven of the nine defencemen still with the team played in Brandon last year, combining for 331 games played.
When it comes to the forwards, Luka Burzan played 68 games last year, and he’s back. Caiden Daley, who also played a team-high 68 games, returns as well.
In all, 13 forwards combined to play 611 games last season with Brandon.
When it comes to Burzan, Brandon will be looking for much of the same this season. He had 78 points (40G) in 68 games last year. That was second to only Stelio Mattheos, who had 96.
Besides Burzan’s and Reinhardt’s success during the annual game, a few other household names got on the scoreboard.
Caiden Daley, who scored nine goals last year, scored once. Connor Gutenberg had 16 goals last season, and he had one tally during the intrasquad game.
That means that not only were the young stars shining, but the veterans were chipping in as well, and that’s something head coach Dave Lowry is thrilled about.
“I thought the game was really competitive,” said Lowry. “The young kids played with a lot of poise and confidence. You also love to see the veteran guys putting the puck in the net. Something that really stood out was how hard everyone worked.”
After four preseason games, Brandon begins their regular season on September 20 on home ice against the Winnipeg ICE. The two teams complete their “Manitoba Battle” home-and-home the next night in Winnipeg.
Brandon missed last year’s playoffs by two points. They went 2-7-1 in their final 10 games to fall just short. That’s a feeling Burzan doesn’t want to feel again.
“It was really disappointing last year missing the playoffs,” said Burzan. “We want to come in this year and be one of the best teams in the league; that’s our goal.”
Chad Nychuk is among the 32 still in Brandon. He should be a big part of the Wheat Kings back end this year.
After a 13-point campaign last year, the Rossburn native is ready to get back at it.
“I’ve just been trying to keep it simple, and I’m working hard on my game,” Nychuk added. “I’m helping the young guys out, and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Nychuk also echoed Burzan when it came to being a top team.
“We’re focused on playoffs. It starts right now,” he concluded. “We have a new coach and he’s going to expect nothing but the best, so it’s time to work hard.”
