Wheat Kings roster at a glance

FORWARDS

2006-BORN (20-year-old season)

• Brett Wilson, L.

5-7, 169 lbs.

WHL: 18gp, 3g, 5a, 8p, 4pim, -1 +/-

SUN: The undersized but stocky forward joined the team late last season, and in his overage season will be counted for the leadership he’s exhibited at every level. Expect him to add energy and lead the charge every night.

• Kristof Muissu, L.

6-3, 216 lbs.

Picked: 2026, 1st Rd.

Reaktor Nizhnekamsk (U20)

57gp, 34g, 35a, 69p, 14pim.

SUN: The big Russian forward scored four goals in a pre-season game, which hints at his offensive ability. The KHL veteran is great at shielding the puck and has an elite shot.

2007-BORN (19-year-old season)

• Joby Baumuller, R.

5-11, 185 lbs.

WHL: 58gp, 40g, 22a, 62p, 35pim, +26 +/-

SUN: With a healthy season, Baumuller could be in the WHL goal-scoring race. The Wilcox, Sask., product with the big shot has grown steadily in his previous three seasons, and with an NHL camp under his belt, could blossom again.

• Brady Turko, R.

6-2, 190 lbs.

WHL: 66gp, 18g, 18a, 36p, 34pim, -1 +/-

SUN: The Anaheim Ducks prospect needs a big season, but he has the raw ability to produce and be impactful. His 18 goals a year ago were a first step but if he wants to carve out a role in the top six, he’ll need to consistently produce.

• Gunnar Gleasman, R.

6-4, 215 lbs.

WHL: 46gp, 5g, 0a, 5p, 74pim, -12 +/-

SUN: The big Colorado product provided a lot of toughness to the lineup last season in an energy role. He has a sneaky ability to create chances for himself, although he is still looking for his first WHL assist.

• Hudson Landmark, R.

6-2, 190 lbs.

Listed.

Canmore (AJHL)

39gp, 11g, 28a, 39p, 14pim.

SUN: An ugly hit knocked him out of the lineup in the pre-season but the Junior A veteran has shown a nice combination of willingness to work hard with skill.

2008-BORN (18-year-old season)

• Jaxon Jacobson, L.

5-11, 190 lbs.

WHL: 63gp, 25g, 60a, 85p, 32pim, +9 +/-

SUN: Jacobson is finally in his draft year as a late birthday. He could be one of the top point producers in the WHL, especially if he finds consistent chemistry with one of the team’s triggermen.

• Jimmy Egan, L.

n/a.

WHL: 68gp, 4g, 18a, 22p, 33pim, -1 +/-

SUN: The Minnesotan showed flashes of offensive ability while demonstrating a key defensive awareness last season and booking a role on the penalty kill. He missed camp and the pre-season with an injury but is nearing a return.

• Ryan Boyce, L.

5-11, 179 lbs.

WHL: 34gp, 0g, 3a, 3p, 12pim, -5 +/-

SUN: The Albertan seemed to be finding his way in an energy role last season when he was injured and missed time. He’ll be looking for bigger responsibilities and had a great camp to show he’s ready.

• Cole Hunter, L

5-11, 180 lbs.

Waywayseecappo (MJHL)

58gp, 14g, 26a, 40p, 16pim.

SUN: Hunter is a high IQ player who stands out with his work rate. He has the ability to play anywhere in the lineup, and could be a very effective penalty killer.

2009-BORN (17-year-old season)

• Chase Surkan, L.

5-7, 171 lbs.

WHL: 45gp, 20g, 18a, 38p, 6pim, +5 +/-

SUN: The Regina forward had a tremendous start to last season but slowed a bit after the U17 Challenge. He has outstanding offensive instincts, a great shot and will be looking for big things in his draft year.

• Prabh Bhathal, L.

6-2, 214 lbs.

WHL: 63gp, 8g, 23a, 31p, 26pim, +2 +/-

SUN: The Winnipegger was terrific near the end of last season after a slow start as a 16-year-old rookie. Also in his draft year, the big forward has a nose for the net and a frame that allows him to protect the puck.

• Colin Grubb , L.

5-11, 185 lbs.

Picked: 2024, 1st Rd. US.

Shattuck St. Mary’s (18U prep)

51gp, 13g, 27a, 40p, 8pim.

SUN: The Minot product could be an impactful addition as a WHL rookie. In camp and pre-season, he showed the ability to be a strong two-way forward, and if that holds, he could quickly earn a lot of responsibility.

• Carson Park, L.

5-8, 159 lbs.

Picked: 2024, 5th Rd.

Moose Jaw (U18 AAA)

35gp, 11g, 40a, 51p, 12pim.

WHL: 4gp, 0g, 0a, 0p, 2pim.

SUN: He’s got an unusual skating stride but he gets places in a hurry. The heady two-way forward projects to be a middle-six asset who can kill penalties and add some offence.

2010-BORN (16-year-old season)

• Levi Ellingsen, L.

6-0, 174 lbs.

Picked: 2025, 1st Rd US.

NAX (U18 prep)

27gp, 8g, 21a, 29p, 52pim.

WHL: 5gp, 0g, 1a, 1p, 6pim.

SUN: The gritty American forward showed no fear as a 15-year-old call-up last season, and that’s not expected to change. He has a big shot and the ability to create offence while antagonizing opponents.

• Ahmad Fayad, L.

5-10, 188 lbs.

Picked: 2025, 2nd.

NAX (U18 prep)

25gp, 10g, 24a, 34p, 54pim.

SUN: The stocky youngster has a game a bit like former captain Caleb Hadland, although perhaps with a bit more offensive upside. He’ll be counted on for energy and physicality this season as he finds his way.

DEFENCE

2007-BORN (19-year-old season)

• Josh McGregor, L.

6-2, 198 lbs.

WHL: 62gp, 3g, 17a, 20p, 66pim, -34 +/-

SUN: The WHL veteran is new to Brandon after a deal from Swift Current. As one of the team’s older blue-liners, they’ll need stout defensive play and leadership with the young corps.

• Ilari Kapenen, L.

5-11, 165 lbs.

Picked: 2026, 2nd Rd.

Timrå IK (U20)

8gp, 1g, 3a, 4p, 10pim.

SUN: The Finnish rearguard will need to adapt quickly to North American on a young blue-line. Early indications are that he is a terrific skater with strong positional play in his own zone.

2008-BORN (18-year-old season)

• Nigel Boehm, L.

6-2, 204 lbs.

WHL: 63gp, 2g, 14a, 16p, 89pim, +22 +/-

SUN: The team’s two-time academic player of the year has a rugged edge to his game and will be counted on to kill penalties when he’s not in the box himself. His offensive game has taken off with new confidence.

• Cameron Allard, R.

6-3, 205 lbs.

WHL: 62gp, 7g, 19a, 26p, 14pim, +29 +/-

SUN: The Yorkton product was very good in his debut and will be looking to take another step as he looks for NHL interest. He’s great at getting his shot through from the point and good in his own end.

2009-BORN (17-year-old season)

• Ethan Young, L.

6-0, 168 lbs.

Picked: 2024, 4th Rd.

Regina (U18 AAA)

41gp, 14g, 60a, 74p, 36pim.

WHL: 4gp, 0g, 1a, 1p, 0pim.

SUN: Saskatchewan’s reigning U18 AAA defenceman of the year was terrific in a call-up last season and will be counted on. He has a high hockey IQ and the ability to create offence.

• Easten Turko, L.

5-10, 166 lbs.

Picked: 2024, 3rd.

Brandon (U18 AAA)

44gp, 14g, 49a, 63p, 14pim.

WHL: 2gp, 0g, 0a, 0p, 0pim.

SUN: Manitoba’s reigning U18 AAA defenceman of the year is small but will be looking to build on an outstanding season last year. He’s smart, positionally sound and dependable in both ends.

2010-BORN (16-year-old season)

• Cruz Jim, R.

5-9, 165 lbs.

Picked: 2025, 1st Rd.

NAX (U18 prep).

26gp, 4g, 17a, 21p, 34pim.

WHL: 4gp, 0g, 0a, 0p, 2pim.

SUN: The Grande Prairie product is undersized but an absolutely beautiful skater. He got a taste of the WHL last season but will still likely have a transition period. He’ll run the power play eventually.

GOALIES

2008-BORN (18-year-old season)

• Filip Ruzicka, L.

6-7, 248 lbs.

WHL: 42gp, 3.19 gaa, .906 save %, 26-14-1-0 record.

SUN: The Wheat Kings will go as far as their big Czech netminder takes them. The massive Minnesota Wild prospect showed how much of a difference he could make in the playoffs.

• Ryley Budd, L.

6-0, 178 lbs.

WHL: 11gp, 3.08 gaa, .888 save %, 4-4-1-0 record.

SUN: The former Saskatoon Blades goaltender was looking for a new opportunity and found it in Brandon. He’s a highly touted athletic netminder who will be expected to reduce Ruzicka’s workload.

2010-BORN (16-year-old season)

• Joffrey Chan, L.

6-1, 201 lbs.

Picked: 2025, 4th Rd.

St. George’s (U17 prep)

20gp, 2.99 gaa, .913 save %, 9-9-1-0 record.

SUN: The Vancouver product will be around until Ruzicka returns. He is a big goalie and positionally sound who had a terrific camp and was excellent in his pre-season debut.