Brandon, MB (CKLQ) – The 51st season of Brandon Wheat Kings hockey gets underway this morning at Westman Place.
Four teams of draft picks and prospects make up rookie camp that runs until tomorrow night. Main camp will begin on Friday morning.
"It’s been a longer off-season than we would have liked," said Head Coach David Anning. "We’re excited to finally get back on the ice, push for an opportunity here and see where everybody stands as we get into our exhibition schedule."
The Wheat Kings open camp with just three overagers. Meyer Nell, who suffered a season ending knee injury last year has elected to retire and head back to school. That leaves goaltender Logan Thompson, along with defensemen Kade Jensen and James Shearer.
However, it could be a couple of weeks before Shearer gets on the ice. The Brandon native suffered a torn achilis tendon during off-season training and has spent most of the summer in a walking boot.
"He’s progressing well," said Anning. "We hope that he continues to move ahead of schedule and we can see him on the ice sooner rather than later."
One of the more intriguing battles in camp will be in the crease. Logan Thompson has solidified himself as the team’s starter, but who will earn the role as the #2 guy.
"We have some quality goaltenders on our list," added Anning. "Obvoiusly there is an opening and an opportunity and we’re excited to see how everything plays out behind Logan."
The Wheat Kings will play four pre-season games. They open the exhibition season at home on September 8th vs the Regina Pats.
All the on training camp ice sessions are open to the public.
