Discussions

Moose Jaw Warriors: 12th in Eastern Conference, 19-49-1-2  
Top Scorers: Jason Bast (25+38=63), Brendan Rowinski (17+27=44), Thomas Frazee (11+30=41), Travis Hamonic (12+27=39)  
Top Defenceman: Hamonic (12+27=39)  
Probable starting goalie: Deven Dubyck (7-15-1-0, 4.57, 0.866)  
Manitobans: Jesse Paradis (Winnipeg), Brendan Rowinski (Winnipeg), Quinton Howden (Oak Bank), Travis Hamonic (St. Malo), Paul Bonar (Brandon), Deven Dubyk (Minitonas)  
 
Brandon Wheat Kings, 3rd in Eastern Conference, 47-19-3-2  
Top Scorers: Brayden Schenn (31+54=85), Jay Fehr (32+52=84), Andrew Clark (40+38=78), Matt Lowry (13+62=75)  
Top Defenceman: Colby Robak (13+29=42)  
Probable Starting Goalie: Going to guess James Priestner (16-7-1-1, 3.09, 0.883). Could make a case for Hayes getting a chance to build more confidence going into the playoffs, but Priestner shouldn't be rusty in case playoff focus ends up shifting to him.  
 
The last game of the season is always fun and unique in it's own kind of way as the team tries for the best transition from the regular season to the playoffs. There'll be the feeling of trying to finish the season on a positive note, all the while trying to set the tone for the post-season.  
 
The Wheat Kings will have the chance to do something they did not last year... watch someone else's season end before their own. The Warriors are of course not going to take part in the playoffs. Interestingly enough, the Warriors do not have a single 20-year old on their roster.. so hypothetically every player is eligible to play in the league next season.  
 
In addition to the Wheat Kings playing for their first 100 point season in over a decade, several players will also be pursuing symbolic marks in this game. Scott Glennie (28) and Matt Calvert (27) will each have an outside shot at reaching 30 goals for the first time in their WHL careers. Andrew Clark, who reached 40 goals last night, will be looking to make it 80 points (78). Schenn and Jay Fehr could both realistically finish top 10 in league scoring. Even though it's no doubt team-first, Schenn, Glennie and Melnychuk being in their draft years may benefit from a few more numbers before the season is etched in stone for the scouts.  
 
As far as standings, the only meaning from this game will come from the possibility that the Wheat Kings could meet the Tri City Americans in the WHL finals. Brandon and Tri-City each have 99 points, and each would no doubt like home ice advantage should that series materialize.  
 
All eyes will be on the Kootenay/Lethbridge game tonight. If either team wins that game outright in regulation, that team will play the Wheat Kings in round one of the playoffs starting next week. Moose Jaw is currently tied for last overall in the WHL with Chiliwach(41 points) and are only one point behind Portland (42 points).  
 
As usual, look for scratches and lineups approx a half hour before puck drop.  
 
Edited by Adam, 2009-03-14 11:48:16