WHL NOTEBOOK: Wheat Kings rookies find lots to love

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This article was published 17/12/2024 (275 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In an annual feature in the WHL Notebook, the eight Brandon Wheat Kings rookies were asked what they enjoy about life in the Western Hockey League. Most of the answers came via text, although some were captured during interviews.

• ADAM BELUSKO: “Everything is different here. Junior hockey in my country (Slovakia) is not as popular as here. I think it’s really big deal here, the Brandon Wheat Kings, and the facility, the arena, the coaching staff, the skills (staff), it’s really different. Also my billet parents are incredible. They helped me a lot when I was starting here because it wasn’t the best when I came here. Right now, I feel like part of their family and part of the Brandon Wheat Kings.”

• JAXON JACOBSON: “To be a WHL player has always been a dream of mine since I was a little kid, especially growing up in a town where the WHL team is the biggest deal. Once I finally got here and made the roster I could instantly feel the same support that I had given to the hometown team as a kid. Seeing the young hockey players at our games and around Brandon and how they look up to us so much just like I did when I was younger, it’s such an honour and something I will not take for granted for however long I get to be in this league.”

• EASTON ODUT: “I like being a WHL player because of the new friendships I have made and playing in the cool facilities.”

• GIO PANTELAS: “There are a lot of things that are special about it. It’s a good league to step into, especially from a U18 league. It’s a good step and good competition out there, great development, great coaches, you’re playing a lot of games and I personally feel like games are the best development. You play out there and see what works and what doesn’t. It’s also my first time billeting, which has been fun. It’s a great experience. I also have a billet brother too so that’s really nice. I feel like the biggest thing is the attention you get from this league.”

• NIGEL BOEHM: “It’s so special to be a part of the Brandon Wheat Kings organization. We have great staff and a great community to help our team strive on and off the ice. As well with great billet families inviting us into their homes and treating us like family!”

• BRADY TURKO: “I think it’s everything, it’s the fans, it’s living the experience of a junior player, it’s for me being able to play in my hometown, which is something really special, and to do it in the Western League makes it even more special. That’s a talented league, and to be able to play in it every day is a privilege and an honour and I think something everybody takes with a lot of pride and loves to do.”

• BEN BINDER NORD: “My rookie WHL season has been an amazing experience so far. My teammates have been awesome, making me feel welcome and part of the team right away. The coaches have been great, helping me improve every day and pushing me to be my best. I’m also really grateful for my billets, who have treated me like family and made me feel at home. The level of play is high, and it’s exciting to compete with such talented players. The fans, facilities, and overall atmosphere make this season even more special, and I’m really thankful for everything.”

• DYLAN RONALD: “I think it is so special to play in the WHL for many reasons! Growing up, playing in the WHL was a goal of mine, so it feels surreal to be living this dream. It’s neat going back to my home town arena and playing in front of my family. My teammates are a great group of guys where we have built this brotherhood. My billets are making this experience even better! I feel so blessed to be given this opportunity. I am excited to see where the journey takes me.”

THIS AND THAT

• QUIZ — Brandon has won three WHL championships. Who were the coaches, and who were the captains of each team?

• WEEKLY AWARDS — The player of the week is 19-year-old Edmonton Oil Kings forward Gracyn Sawchyn of Grande Prairie, Alta., who had four goals, four assists and a +7 rating in two victories. He is a Florida Panthers prospect.

The goaltender of the week is 19-year-old Lethbridge Hurricanes netminder Jackson Unger, who won his three starts with a 1.00 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage. Unger, who came over to Lethbridge from the Moose Jaw Warriors with Brayden Yager on Dec. 2, is the reigning goaltender of the year in the WHL.

The rookie of the week is 16-year-old Victoria Royals defenceman Keaton Verhoeff of Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., who recorded two goals, two assists and a +5 rating in a pair of wins over the Vancouver Giants.

• SIN BIN — Apparently a league full of teenagers and 20-year-olds is mindful of the wrath of Santa Claus and his naughty-and-nice list because no one has been suspended since Nov. 23.

• TRADE FRONT — In a swap of 18-year-old forwards last Tuesday, the Prince Albert Raiders sent Cole Peardon of Outlook, Sask., to the Red Deer Rebels for Evan Smith of Kamloops, B.C. … Zach Zahara is back in Medicine Hat after he was re-acquired by the Tigers on Thursday from the Wenatchee Wild for a fourth-round pick in 2027. You’re correct in thinking ‘“Wait a minute, didn’t he just go the other way?” Wenatchee acquired him on Oct. 16 from Medicine Hat for a fourth-round pick in 2027 and an eighth-round pick in 2025.

• ALUMNI GLANCE — Logen Hammett, 21, is now playing U Sports hockey with the Calgary Dinos, where he has seven assists and 16 penalty minutes in 15 games. The Regina product was Brandon’s fifth-round pick in 2018, and spent four full seasons with Brandon before he was dealt to the Vancouver Giants for his overage season. Brandon received a fourth-round pick, which they used to take another Regina defenceman, Ethan Young, making it a perfect transaction in the junior hockey circle of life. In 211 career WHL games, Hammett had 12 goals, 45 assists and 155 penalty minutes.

• BIRTHDAY BOYS — Garry Slezak (Dec. 17, 1960), Alexander Urbom (Dec. 20, 1990), Theran Yeo (Dec. 18, 1987).

• THE WEEK AHEAD — After tonight’s game at Westoba Place against the Moose Jaw Warriors, the players head home for the Christmas break. Brandon returns to action on Dec. 27 when the Regina Pats visit Westoba Place for the annual turkey legs game. The Wheat Kings travel to Moose Jaw to meet the Warriors on Saturday, Dec. 28, visit the Swift Current Broncos on Monday, Dec. 30, and then host the Broncos again on Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 2 p.m., to get a busy second half started.

• ANSWER — It’s a trick question. Dunc McCallum coached the 1979 team but they never named a captain, although there is a widespread misperception it was Brad McCrimmon, who was an alternate captain. The 1996 champion was coached by Bob Lowes and Chris Dingman was the captain. Kelly McCrimmon coached the 2016 team, and Macoy Erkamps was captain.

• BRIEF BREAK — The WHL Notebook will return on Dec. 31 with lots more Westman players to profile. Merry Christmas to readers, and thanks for playing along for the past 10 seasons.