BRANDON, Manitoba – With the 2011-12 Western Hockey League (WHL) all ready 5 games into the season we decided to provide a little insight to each team in the WHL with our team of the day. Today we look at the Brandon Wheat Kings.
Brandon Wheat Kings GM: Kelly McCrimmon Coach: Cory Clouston
Up Front: Mark Stone finished tied for third in WHL scoring last season as an 18-year-old. The Ottawa Senators prospect will be counted on to put up more big offensive totals for the Wheat Kings this season. 19-year-olds Michael Ferland and Brendan Walker both put up respectable numbers in secondary scoring roles last year for the Wheat Kings. Both will need to take on more of the offensive load this season after the Wheat Kings graduated three of their top four scorers from last season. Swiss rookie Alessio Bertaggia has shown some offensive skill through pre-season, and could be a contributor to the team’s attack this season.
On The Blue Line: The Wheat Kings can return six regulars on the blue line from last season, including impressive 17-year-old Ryan Pulock. The Grandview, MB, product quietly put up eight goals and 42 points as a 16-year-old, and will be a key component in the Wheatie’s defence corps this season. Also back is veteran Brodie Melnychuk and sophomores Eric Roy and Jordan Fransoo, who will all look to help the team reduce its goals-against and improve upon what was the 21st-ranked penalty killing unit last season. Rookie Ayrton Nikkel has impressed in pre-season play, and could add to the Wheat Kings’ defence corps this season.
Goaltending: Corbin Boes and Liam Liston split time in the Wheat Kings’ net as rookies last season. Boes posted a 3.44 GAA in 33 starts last season while Liston earned 20 wins though his 41 starts. Both return to provide the Wheat Kings with a capable tandem in goal.
Player to Watch: Ryan Pulock
Pulock enjoyed a tremendous season as a 16-year-old rookie last year, scoring eight goals and 42 points in 63 games. The Grandview, MB, native, who was a seventh-round bantam draft pick in 2009, led all Wheat Kings defensemen in scoring and also performed well for Team West at the 2011 World Under-17 Challenge. A good skater with excellent vision, a low panic level and strength at both ends of the ice, Pulock will be an important factor in any success the Wheat Kings enjoy this season.
Contact: Andruw.bourgeois@prohockeynews.com
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