Wheat Kings – Brandon Sun

Calgary Hitmen goalie Eric Tu (31) prepares to embrace Brandon Wheat Kings netminder Filip Ruzicka (30) in the handshake line after Game 4 of their Western Hockey League quarterfinal series at Virden’s Tundra Oil and Gas Place on Thursday. Calgary won 4-2 to sweep the series, with the two goalies both performing admirably. (Perry Bergson/The Brandon Sun) April 2, 2026

Goalies stand tall as illness strikes

Perry Bergson 7 minute read Saturday, Apr. 4, 2026

In the end, the four-game sweep of the Brandon Wheat Kings by the Calgary Hitmen will be remembered for its goaltending.

Brandon’s Filip Ruzicka of Trinec, Czechia, and Calgary’s Eric Tu of White Rock, B.C., were both sensational for all four games, with Hitmen head coach Dustin Friesen saying it was something to see.

“It was unbelievable,” Friesen said. “They were both fantastic. Ruzicka made it really, really hard on us and made a lot of saves, big saves, and Tu-sy was fantastic as well. In that first period he made a couple of huge ones to allow us to stay in the game and stick with it.

“And that’s just this game. There were multiple saves in other games as well.”

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Allard grows, develops in rookie campaign

Perry Bergson 7 minute read Preview

Allard grows, develops in rookie campaign

Perry Bergson 7 minute read Monday, Apr. 6, 2026

Cameron Allard may have gotten a taste of the Western Hockey League last season, but the Brandon Wheat King has discovered there are a lot of ways for a young defenceman to lose his appetite in his rookie season.

The six-foot-three, 196-pound blue-liner from Yorkton, Sask., said the level of players he has faced in major junior has been a revelation.

“Everyone is super skilled,” Allard said. “You can be playing a fourth line and there are still unbelievable players. There isn’t really a bad player in this league. Then you have the top-end guys, and some are going to the NHL next year, and it’s a whole different beast.

“It’s like you’re playing an NHL player pretty much so it’s definitely more difficult but once you adapt into learning how to defend against these kinds of players, it makes it seem likes the next level gets closer and closer every day.”

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Monday, Apr. 6, 2026

Brandon Wheat Kings defenceman Cameron Allard (6) takes a shot during Western Hockey League action against the Red Deer Rebels at Assiniboine Credit Union Place on Dec. 7. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

Boehm grows in second season

Perry Bergson 6 minute read Preview

Boehm grows in second season

Perry Bergson 6 minute read Saturday, Apr. 4, 2026

If you’ve ever wondered about the benefits of confidence for a Western Hockey league player, Nigel Boehm might be Exhibit A.

The 17-year-old Brandon Wheat Kings defenceman from Corman Park, Sask., made incredible strides in his second Western Hockey League season, which may have been best reflected by his newfound willingness to carry the puck and get shots on net.

“Confidence is a big thing,” Boehm said. “Especially being a defenceman, everyone relies on you and it starts with you. It’s a big thing moving forward into these playoffs, being able to rely on yourself and trust yourself to make plays. It’s good to be a dependable player from the back end on.”

“I put up more points than last year — pretty much double — and it’s going to be a huge thing moving on,” he added. “Especially in the playoffs confidence-wise, having that switch from last year will be good.”

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Saturday, Apr. 4, 2026

Brandon Wheat Kings defenceman Nigel Boehm (12) keeps an eye on Saskatoon Blades forward Cooper Williams (16) in front of goalie Filip Ruzicka during Western Hockey League action at SaskTel Centre on March 18. The defenceman is from nearby Corman Park. (Rick Elvin/Saskatoon Blades)
March 18, 2026

Wheat Kings face massive challenge

By Perry Bergson 8 minute read Preview

Wheat Kings face massive challenge

By Perry Bergson 8 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

The Brandon Wheat Kings are officially out of second chances.

The Western Hockey League club enters Game 4 of its best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal matchup with the Calgary Hitmen down 3-0, and while all three losses have been razor thin, one more and their season is over.

“There is no lost hope,” forward Jaxon Jacobson said. “Every game has been super close, it was a one-goal game (Tuesday) night with an empty netter. One of these games, the bounces are going to go for us and we’re going to get that overtime goal. We just have to keep the mindset, that put-our-best-foot-forward, next-game mentality and stay positive.”

The series remains at Virden’s Tundra Oil and Gas Place with the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair taking over the Keystone Centre.

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Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Brandon Wheat Kings goalie Filip Ruzicka (30) makes a stick save as Calgary Hitmen forward Harrison Lodewyk (9) looks for the rebound and Gio Pantelas (84) defends during Game 3 of their Western Hockey League quarterfinal series at Virden's Tundra Oil and Gas Place on Tuesday. Brandon is down 3-0 in the best-of-seven series and looking for a miracle comeback. (Perry Bergson/The Brandon Sun) April 2, 2026

TALE OF THE TAPE: Calgary at Brandon

2 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2026

Brandon Wheat Kings vs Calgary Hitmen

7 p.m. at Tundra Oil and Gas Place in Virden.

6:30 p.m. (91.5 FM): 7 p.m. (Victory!)

WHEAT KINGS

Hitmen go up 3-0 on Wheat Kings

Perry Bergson 8 minute read Preview

Hitmen go up 3-0 on Wheat Kings

Perry Bergson 8 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 31, 2026

VIRDEN — The visiting Calgary Hitmen took a stranglehold in their Western Hockey League quarterfinal series on Tuesday, beating the Brandon Wheat Kings 3-1 in Game 3 at Virden’s Tundra Oil and Gas Place.

Calgary received its goals from Andrew Molgachev, Ethan Moore and Landon Amrhein into an empty net, with Luke Mistelbacher replying for Brandon in front of a crowd of 1,292.

The Hitmen won 1-0 in overtime in Game 1 last Friday, and 6-5 in overtime in Game 2 on Sunday.

With the win, they are now up 3-0 in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal series with a chance to earn the sweep on Thursday in Virden.

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Tuesday, Mar. 31, 2026

Brandon Wheat Kings goalie Filip Ruzicka hugs the post as Calgary Hitmen defenceman Ben MacBeath (16) circles the net to make a wrap-around with Nick Johnson (62) in pursuit during Game 3 of their Western Hockey League quarterfinal series at Virden’s Tundra Oil and Gas Place on Tuesday. (Perry Bergson/The Brandon Sun)

Wheaties remain confident after OT losses

By Perry Bergson 7 minute read Preview

Wheaties remain confident after OT losses

By Perry Bergson 7 minute read Monday, Mar. 30, 2026

If the Brandon Wheat Kings were playing with horseshoes instead of hockey sticks, their two close losses to the Calgary Hitmen might have been useful.

Instead, the Wheat Kings are down 2-0 in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference quarterfinal series as it moves to Virden’s Tundra Oil and Gas Place for Game 3 this evening at 7 o’clock.

“It was a little deflated,” captain Caleb Hadland said of the dressing room after Sunday’s loss. “It’s tough when you get that close. We could be up 2-0 in the series but we came out of there down two.

“I don’t think anyone is deflated. We’ve had talks since then and everyone still has their mojo in the room and we’re still banding together.

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Monday, Mar. 30, 2026

Brandon Wheat Kings forward Brett Wilson (22) pursues Calgary Hitmen forward Shaun Hildebrandt (25) up the ice during Game 2 of their Western Hockey League quarterfinal series at Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday. Calgary won 6-5 in overtime. (Jenn Pierce/Calgary Hitmen)

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TALE OF THE TAPE: Calgary at Brandon

2 minute read Monday, Mar. 30, 2026

Brandon Wheat Kings vs Calgary Hitmen

7 p.m. at Tundra Oil and Gas Place in Virden.

6:30 p.m. (91.5 FM): 7 p.m. (Victory+)

WHEAT KINGS

Gavin enjoys WHL stop in Brandon

Perry Bergson 12 minute read Preview

Gavin enjoys WHL stop in Brandon

Perry Bergson 12 minute read Yesterday at 9:21 PM CDT

When Jordan Gavin came to Brandon in January of 2025, it was a big move for the British Columbia product.

The forward from Surrey was acquired by the Wheat Kings with defenceman Merrek Arpin from the Tri-City Americans at the 2024-25 trade deadline for defenceman Charlie Elick and a third-round pick in 2026.

As it turned out, the trade to a Western Hockey League city even farther from home worked out nicely.

“It was definitely a good move,” Gavin said. “I got really close with a lot of guys on Brandon and had some really good times here. It’s disappointing to go out in the first round this year and last year, but I think just building new connections and continuing to grow my game and meeting new people, I made some great memories here.”

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Yesterday at 9:21 PM CDT

Brandon Wheat Kings forward Jordan Gavin (13) carries the puck as Saskatoon Blades defenceman Jordan Martin (3) pursues during Western Hockey League action at SaskTel Centre on March 18. Gavin had a blend of offence and defensive awareness in his game. (Rick Elvin/Saskatoon Blades)

Wheat Kings fall in OT again in Game 2

By Perry Bergson 8 minute read Preview

Wheat Kings fall in OT again in Game 2

By Perry Bergson 8 minute read Monday, Mar. 30, 2026

The Calgary Hitmen overcame a two-goal deficit in the third period and Ethan Moore scored his second of the game midway through the first overtime as they beat the visiting Brandon Wheat Kings 6-5 in Game 2 of their Western Hockey League quarterfinal series at Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday.

Calgary received its other goals from Kale Dach, Andrei Molgachev, Julien Maze, Ethan Moore and Axel Hurtig, with Luke Mistelbacher scoring twice and adding an assist and Jimmy Egan, Grayson Burzynski and Jaxon Jacobson, also replying for Brandon in front of a crowd of 2,769.

The Hitmen won 1-0 in triple overtime in Game 1 on Friday and will take a 2-0 lead as the series shifts to Virden’s Tundra Oil and Gas Place for host Game 3 on Tuesday, Game 4 on Thursday and a potential Game 5 on Friday, all starting at 7 p.m.

Brandon head coach and general manager Marty Murray said losing twice in extra time after playing well for long stretches isn’t easy.

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Monday, Mar. 30, 2026

Brandon Wheat Kings goaltender Filip Ruzicka (30) makes a save as defenceman Grayson Burzynski (14) and Calgary Hitmen forward Julien Maze (27) during Game 2 of their Western Hockey League quarterfinal series at Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday. Maze had a goal and five assists as Calgary won 6-5 in overtime. (Jenn Pierce/Calgary Hitmen)
March 29, 2026

GAME 1: Hitmen win 1-0 in triple OT

By Perry Bergson 8 minute read Saturday, Mar. 28, 2026

Eric Tu made 50 saves and Ethan Moore scored the only goal of the game in triple overtime as the Calgary Hitmen edged the Brandon Wheat Kings 1-0 in Game 1 of their Western Hockey League quarterfinal series at Scotiabank Saddledome on Friday.

Brandon’s Filip Ruzicka stopped 64 shots in front of a crowd of 2,959.

“He was sensational,” Brandon head coach and general manager Marty Murray said of his goalie. “He gave us a chance to win all night long. It’s too bad we didn’t get one for him. He played his heart out and did everything he could to help us get a win.”

With the victory, which came in the second longest game in Wheat Kings history in the Internet era, Calgary takes a 1-0 series lead.

Wilson finds way with Wheat Kings

Perry Bergson 6 minute read Preview

Wilson finds way with Wheat Kings

Perry Bergson 6 minute read Friday, Mar. 27, 2026

Brett Wilson has certainly had some pinch-me moments since he came to the Western Hockey League.

The five-foot-eight, 173-pound forward, who turned 20 on Jan. 9, joined the Brandon Wheat Kings in early February as the injury-racked club dealt with the loss of Carter Klippenstein and Easton Odut for the season.

While he grew up in Calgary, his WHL highlight actually came 300 kilometres north on Highway 2 when he had a chance to play in Rogers Place against the Edmonton Oil Kings. The major junior team shares the building with the National Hockey League’s Edmonton Oilers.

“As an Oilers fan, playing in Rogers Place, there were a couple of times between whistles when I was looking around and thinking that I’m playing on the same ice that (Connor) McDavid plays on. Then playing against different players in this league, this is pro. There’s no better way to say it.”

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Friday, Mar. 27, 2026

Brandon Wheat Kings forward Brett Wilson makes his Western Hockey League debut against the Prince Albert Raiders at Art Hauser Centre on Feb. 7. The Calgary product has since settled in with Brandon and is feeling comfortable in the WHL. (Mark Peterson/Prince Albert Raiders)

Calgary wary of Brandon’s high-end skill

Perry Bergson 6 minute read Preview

Calgary wary of Brandon’s high-end skill

Perry Bergson 6 minute read Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026

The Calgary Hitmen are about to embark on an unusual Western Hockey League playoff experience, but Dustin Friesen and his young charges are fine with it.

The Hitmen head coach and his club will be playing Games 3, 4 and 5 in Virden instead of Brandon.

“I don’t think it makes a difference to us,” Friesen said. “Our team has been tough on the road this year and played well on the road. It will maybe be a different environment than they’re used to but I think it’s going to be a really good environment.

“I think our group is excited that Brandon isn’t where we’re playing. We’re just excited to get going.”

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Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026

Brandon Wheat Kings goalie Filip Ruzicka (30) monitors the play as Calgary Hitmen forward Harrison Lodewyk (9) and defenceman Gio Pantelas (84) jockey for position during Western Hockey League action at Scotiabank Saddledome on March 11. Ruzicka won both his starts against Calgary this season. (Jenn Pierce/Calgary Hitmen)

Wheat Kings, Hitmen share rich playoff history

Perry Bergson 6 minute read Preview

Wheat Kings, Hitmen share rich playoff history

Perry Bergson 6 minute read Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026

The Calgary Hitmen entered the Western Hockey League for the 1995-96 season, and they have met the Brandon Wheat Kings seven times in the playoffs, including five times in an eight-year stretch.

Here’s a quick look at the seven series.

2014-15

Brandon wins 4-1

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Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026

Calgary Hitmen forward Riley Merkley tries to get a shot on Wheat Kings goalie Tyler Plante during Game 4 of the second round of the Western Hockey League playoffs at the Saddledome on April 13, 2005. Calgary won the game 4-2 but Brandon took the series 4-3. (Dean Bicknell/Calgary Herald)

Brandon-Calgary: The season series

3 minute read Preview

Brandon-Calgary: The season series

3 minute read Saturday, Mar. 28, 2026

Here is a look back at the four games between the Brandon Wheat Kings and the Calgary Hitmen this season. In the score at the top, the home team is in capital letters.

GAME 1

Calgary 3, BRANDON 1

Date: Nov. 2.

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Saturday, Mar. 28, 2026

Brandon Wheat Kings captain Caleb Hadland skates along the boards with the puck as Calgary Hitmen forward Wyatt Pisarczyk (12) tries to defend during Western Hockey League action at Scotiabank Saddledome on Dec. 19. Brandon won 3-2 in overtime that night. (Jenn Pierce/Calgary Hitmen)

Wheat Kings respect Hitmen’s depth

Perry Bergson 8 minute read Preview

Wheat Kings respect Hitmen’s depth

Perry Bergson 8 minute read Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026

The path to beating the Calgary Hitmen is clear for the Brandon Wheat Kings, but that certainly doesn’t make it easy when their Western Hockey League series begins tonight.

The fourth-place Hitmen (38-21-8-1) and fifth-place Wheat Kings (40-26-2-0) split the season series, but since Calgary finished three points ahead, they will hosts Games 1, 2, 6 and 7, with Games 3, 4 and 5 at Virden’s Tundra Oil and Gas Place.

Brandon head coach and general manager Marty Murray said his club has to play the right way to beat the fleet and structurally sound Hitmen.

“Discipline, staying out of the box and skating,” Murray said. “They are a quick team. They’re one of the fastest teams in transition and off the rush their D are joining. We have to match that speed and intensity they have. If we don’t, we’re going to be chasing it. If we do, we stand a chance.”

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Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026

April 8, 2026

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