Brandon, MB (CKLQ) – For the first time in eight years, the Western Hockey League’s Brandon Wheat Kings will feature new look home white jerseys for the 2017-18 campaign.
The new Reebok CCM jerseys were modeled at Thursday afternoon’s media reception at the Canad Inns by veteran center Tanner Kaspick.
The white jerseys will be worn on the road for the first half of the season before becoming the home jerseys after Christmas.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS FROM TODAY’S MEDIA RECEPTION:
-The Wheat Kings have eclipsed the 2,000 season ticket mark. The club sold 2,600 season tickets last season.
-A new smartphone app has been designed and released. Beginning in early September, western Manitoba hockey fans will have the opportunity to download the club’s free app presented by myITsource for iPhone and Android anytime, anywhere to stay up to date.
The user-friendly app gives fans easy access to team schedules, league standings, player statistics, arena maps and special contests.
-The club will have a trio of “theme” night’s this season. The jerseys will pay homage to Don Cherry, Star Wars and Canada’s 150th birthday. More details will be released at a later date.
-The Wheat Kings in partnership with Giant Tiger will host an Ivan Provorov bobblehead night. The event takes place Friday, January 12th vs Calgary.
-20-year-old forward Meyer Nell has elected to retire from hockey. The Boissevain, MB native suffered a season ending knee injury last season and felt it wasn’t healthy enough to return. He will begin classes at the University of Manitoba in the fall.
-The Wheat Kings will open up camp with a pair of 20-year-olds. James Shearer is not expected to return to action until later this season after suffering an achilles injury during off-season training. Defenseman Kade Jensen and goaltender Logan Thompson are the only 1997 born players in camp.
-Daniel Bukac and Caden Daley won’t be ready for training camp. Both players suffered lower body injuries this summer and are expected to be ready to return early in the season.
-Seven players will attend NHL training camps. Logan Thompson (Vegas), Kale Clague (LA), Tanner Kaspick (St. Louis), Daniel Bukac (Boston), Nolan Patrick (Philadelphia), Ty Lewis (Colorado) & Stelio Mattheos (Carolina).
-2017 Training Camp begins next week. Three days of Rookie Camp will be followed by the Main Camp that opens on Friday morning. 68 rookies will be in attendance including 45 (02s) and 23 (01s). All 18 veterans eligible to return for the 17/18 season are expected to report to camp.
2017 Training Camp Schedule:
Tuesday, August 29th
Rookie Camp Registration, Meeting and Tour
Wednesday, August 30th
8:30 am Black vs Gold
10:30am White vs Green
5:00pm Black vs White
7:00pm Gold vs Green
Thursday, August 31st
8:30am Black vs Green
10:30am Gold vs White
4:00pm Rookie 3rd Place Game
6:00pm Rookie 1st Place Game
Friday, September 1st – MAIN CAMP
8:30 am Team Black Practice
10:00am Gold vs White
5:30pm Team Gold Practice
7:00pm Black vs. White
Saturday, September 2nd
9:00am Team White Practice
10:30am Black vs Gold
6:00pm Intrasquad Game
Sunday, September 4th
2:00pm Annual Canad Inns Intrasquad Game
(Doors to the arena open at 1:30pm)
