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Wheat Kings

Brandon Wheat Kings netminder Filip Ruzicka (30) is comforted by his goalie partner Jayden Kraus (33) after Game 4 of their Western Hockey League quarterfinal series at Virden’s Tundra Oil and Gas Place on April 2. The two proved to be a strong goaltending duo for Brandon. (Perry Bergson/The Brandon Sun)

Wheat Kings answer five questions

Perry Bergson 18 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026

In the days before the 2025-26 Western Hockey League season began, five questions were posed about this year’s edition of the Brandon Wheat Kings.

The Wheat Kings won 40 games for the first time since 2017-18, but were swept in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals by a less talented Calgary Hitmen squad that played a better team game and defended their net like their lives depended on it.

Wheat Kings head coach and general manager Marty Murray said his club was able to bounce back from a terrible start and a raft of injuries in a season of ups and downs.

“The start was really frustrating,” Murray said. “We were 0-4-1 in our first five games and I think everything that could go wrong did go wrong. We just weren’t clicking. The schedule, with three really good teams in a row coming out of the Moose Jaw weekend wasn’t great timing. We found ourselves behind the 8-ball early and had to some soul searching.

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Burzynski makes Manitoba memories

Perry Bergson 12 minute read Preview

Burzynski makes Manitoba memories

Perry Bergson 12 minute read Friday, Apr. 10, 2026

After his Western Hockey League drew to a close on April 2, Grayson Burzynski learned an important lesson about how time plays tricks on us all.

The 20-year-old Brandon Wheat Kings defenceman, who is headed to college next season, said it certainly doesn’t feel like five years ago that he earned a spot at age 16 with the Swift Current Broncos.

“Way too quick, to be honest,” Burzynski said of how fast those years passed by. “I was just thinking about that. I didn’t have a suit in Swift Current because I didn’t know you had to wear a suit to games. I remember the day before my first regular season game, I had to go buy a suit and it literally feels like yesterday that I went and did that.

“I played so many games and some of them stick out but a lot of them have blended together. I can’t believe it’s been five years.”

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Friday, Apr. 10, 2026

Brandon Wheat Kings defenceman Grayson Burzynski (14) carries the puck around the Brandon net with Medicine Hat Tigers forward Liam Ruck (12) in pursuit on March 4. The Winnipegger spent one season in Brandon. (Perry Bergson/The Brandon Sun)
Brandon Wheat Kings defenceman Grayson Burzynski (14) carries the puck around the Brandon net with Medicine Hat Tigers forward Liam Ruck (12) in pursuit on March 4. The Winnipegger spent one season in Brandon. (Perry Bergson/The Brandon Sun)

Hadland grows up with Wheat Kings

By Perry Bergson 10 minute read Preview

Hadland grows up with Wheat Kings

By Perry Bergson 10 minute read Thursday, Apr. 9, 2026

Caleb Hadland came to the Brandon Wheat Kings as a mature youngster, and will leave a man.

The 20-year-old captain, who was drafted by the team and spent four years with the Wheat Kings, is heading to college next season instead of playing an overage year. He’ll leave with an acute sense of what he gained in the Wheat City.

“At 15, I was just a young kid moving away from home,” Hadland said. “I hadn’t really experienced a lot of independence yet. Definitely when you get here, there’s a lot of stuff on your schedule. You have to show up to things and kind of grow up.

“There is a lot of stuff we have in the community, so it’s learning how to talk to people and set yourself up with connections and communication in this world, which is huge during your teenage years. Through junior hockey, you really work on those skills and you meet some great people along the way and have some real good conversations.”

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Thursday, Apr. 9, 2026

Brandon Wheat Kings captain Caleb Hadland (10) celebrates his goal against the Red Deer Rebels in Western Hockey League action at Marchant Crane Centrium on March 13 in his final trip to his adopted hometown. (Taylor Lachance/Red Deer Rebels)
Brandon Wheat Kings captain Caleb Hadland (10) celebrates his goal against the Red Deer Rebels in Western Hockey League action at Marchant Crane Centrium on March 13 in his final trip to his adopted hometown. (Taylor Lachance/Red Deer Rebels)

Carels in running for WHL’s top blue-liner

By Perry Bergson 1 minute read Thursday, Apr. 9, 2026

Cypress River’s Carson Carels is up for the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy as the Western Hockey League’s defenceman of the year. The 17-year-old Prince George Cougars blue-liner, who is ranked third among North American skaters by the National Hockey League’s Central Scouting, had 73 points in 58 games in his second WHL season.

He is joined by Bryce Pickford of the Medicine Hat Tigers, Winnipeg’s Jonas Woo of Medicine Hat, Daxon Rudolph of the Prince Albert Raiders, and a pair of Everett Silvertips, Landon DuPont and Tarin Smith.

The league also announced the finalists for the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy for the player of the year.

They are Medicine Hat twins Liam and Markus Ruck plus defenceman Bryce Pickford, JP Hurlbert of the Kamloops Blazers, Tij Iginla of the Kelowna Rockets and Cameron Schmidt of the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Propp earns 47th spot in CHL rankings

1 minute read Thursday, Apr. 9, 2026

Former Brandon Wheat Kings star Brian Propp has been listed as the Canadian Hockey League’s 47th best player in new rankings.

Propp, who in 1999 was listed as the left-winger on the CHL’s all-time team — joining Bernie Parent, Bobby Orr, Denis Potvin, Mario Lemieux and Guy Lafleur — was named the 14th best player in Western Hockey League history in 2016. He recorded 511 points in 213 regular-season games and won consecutive WHL scoring titles.

The top 50 players were selected by a panel of more than 40 media members who submitted ranked 1–50 ballots that made the odd decision to consider a player’s impact beyond the CHL.

The other players on the first instalment of the top 50 players of the last 50 years list are:

Wheat Kings go under microscope

Perry Bergson 28 minute read Preview

Wheat Kings go under microscope

Perry Bergson 28 minute read Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026

The Brandon Wheat Kings won 40 games for the first time in nearly a decade, but an early exit from the Western Hockey League playoffs courtesy of a first-round sweep by the Calgary Hitmen cast a bit of a pall on an up-and-down season.

In an annual Brandon Sun tradition, the Sun compiled thoughts on each player and then asked head coach and general manager Marty Murray to weigh in on every player’s season.

DEPARTING PLAYERS

2005-BORN (20-year-old season)

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Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026

Brandon Wheat Kings forward Prabh Bhathal (8) handles the puck as Tri-City Americans defenceman Aiden Bouchard (10) and forward David Krcal (73) defend during Western Hockey League action at Toyota Center on Jan. 30. Bhathal, who had a goal and two assists in a 7-1 Brandon victory that night, was one of his team’s most consistent players after Christmas. (John Keller/Tri-City Americans)
Brandon Wheat Kings forward Prabh Bhathal (8) handles the puck as Tri-City Americans defenceman Aiden Bouchard (10) and forward David Krcal (73) defend during Western Hockey League action at Toyota Center on Jan. 30. Bhathal, who had a goal and two assists in a 7-1 Brandon victory that night, was one of his team’s most consistent players after Christmas. (John Keller/Tri-City Americans)

Johnson perseveres to find success

Perry Bergson 11 minute read Preview

Johnson perseveres to find success

Perry Bergson 11 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 14, 2026

In 1993, National Basketball Association superstar Charles Barkley famously declared in a television commercial that he was not a role model.

Thirty-three years later, graduating Brandon Wheat Kings forward Nick Johnson sees it differently. Not only is he happy to be a good example, the Calgary product learned a lot about himself as he came of age in the Western Hockey League.

“I think the WHL has made me grow a lot as a person,” Johnson said. “With the little things too, I think we’re held to a higher standard, as we should be. We’re in a major junior hockey league and we should be leading by example to young kids. It’s a big deal, because how little kids see you is how they’re going to want to be when they grow up.

“I think that’s very important and a very special thing that happens nowadays and I’m very grateful to have a part of the whole league.”

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Tuesday, Apr. 14, 2026

Brandon Wheat Kings centre Nick Johnson (62) battles Regina Pats centre Zach Moore (18) in a faceoff at centre-ice during Western Hockey League action at Brandt Centre on March 20. Johnson moved to centre to help the club in an area where it lacked options this season. (Keith Hershmiller Photography) March 20, 2026
Brandon Wheat Kings centre Nick Johnson (62) battles Regina Pats centre Zach Moore (18) in a faceoff at centre-ice during Western Hockey League action at Brandt Centre on March 20. Johnson moved to centre to help the club in an area where it lacked options this season. (Keith Hershmiller Photography) March 20, 2026

Lavoie treasures season in Brandon

Perry Bergson 12 minute read Preview

Lavoie treasures season in Brandon

Perry Bergson 12 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 8, 2026

There were multiple times Max Lavoie could have simply walked away from his dreams on the ice.

Instead, despite repeated setbacks, Lavoie persevered and debuted on the Brandon Wheat Kings blue-line as a 19-year-old rookie. He said quitting was never an option as he moved from Junior B to Junior A to the Western Hockey League in the last three years.

“I guess I just love hockey,” Lavoie said. “To me, it’s not comparing myself to people I knew. I was a late bloomer in a way and I knew what my potential was and what it could be. I believed in myself.”

Incredibly, an even bigger step awaits for the six-foot-three, 206-pound defenceman, because he is forgoing his overage season in the WHL to head to an Ivy League school, Princeton University.

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Wednesday, Apr. 8, 2026

Brandon Wheat Kings defenceman Max Lavoie (27) sends Swift Current Broncos forward Jaxen Gauthier (39) flying with a crosscheck to the back as goalie Filip Ruzicka (30) deals with the puck during Western Hockey League action at Assiniboine Credit Union Place on March 7. Lavoie made the front of the Brandon net an unpleasant place to be for opposing forwards. (Perry Bergson/The Brandon Sun)

March 7, 2026
Brandon Wheat Kings defenceman Max Lavoie (27) sends Swift Current Broncos forward Jaxen Gauthier (39) flying with a crosscheck to the back as goalie Filip Ruzicka (30) deals with the puck during Western Hockey League action at Assiniboine Credit Union Place on March 7. Lavoie made the front of the Brandon net an unpleasant place to be for opposing forwards. (Perry Bergson/The Brandon Sun) March 7, 2026

Boehm, Ruzicka nominated for WHL awards

1 minute read Wednesday, Apr. 8, 2026

A pair of Brandon Wheat Kings players are up for Western Hockey League awards.

Wheat Kings defenceman Nigel Boehm is one of the four divisional finalists for the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy as scholastic player of the year. He is joined by Ben MacBeath (Calgary Hitmen), Sean Burick (Penticton Vees) and Alex Weiermair (Portland Winterhawks).

The six finalists for the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s top goalie include Filip Ruzicka of the Wheat Kings, Michal Orsulak (Prince Albert Raiders), Chase Wutzke (Moose Jaw Warriors), Joshua Ravensbergen (Prince George Cougars), Tobias Tvrznik (Wenatchee Wild) and Andrew Reyelts (Penticton Vees).

The nominees for the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy for humanitarian of the year are Evan Gardner (Saskatoon Blades), Axel Hurtig (Calgary Hitmen), Brady Ness and Ethan Semeniuk (Moose Jaw Warriors), Raiden LeGall (Everett Silvertips), Shane Smith (Kelowna Rockets) and Carter Esler (Spokane Chiefs).

Gavin enjoys WHL stop in Brandon

Perry Bergson 11 minute read Preview

Gavin enjoys WHL stop in Brandon

Perry Bergson 11 minute read Tuesday, Apr. 7, 2026

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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Tuesday, Apr. 7, 2026

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)
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)

Allard grows, develops in rookie campaign

Perry Bergson 6 minute read Preview

Allard grows, develops in rookie campaign

Perry Bergson 6 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)
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
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

Goalies stand tall as illness strikes

Perry Bergson 6 minute read Preview

Goalies stand tall as illness strikes

Perry Bergson 6 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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Saturday, Apr. 4, 2026

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
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

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
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

1 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 7 minute read Preview

Hitmen go up 3-0 on Wheat Kings

Perry Bergson 7 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)
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)

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