Brandon’s young forwards will be counted on

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This article was published 01/10/2021 (1645 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In Part 2 of The Brandon Sun’s look at the top questions facing this year’s edition of the Brandon Wheat Kings — Part 1 appeared on Thursday — head coach Don MacGillivray and eight veterans look at some of the top storylines they’ll face in the 2021-22 season.

Brandon opens its season against the Winnipeg Ice at Westoba Place tonight at 7 p.m. 

6. How do you replace Ben McCartney’s intangibles and scoring?

• SUN: It’s easy to see what McCartney offered on the ice. He piled up the points and penalty minutes, providing a measure of skill and agitation that’s rather uncommon. He was an excellent teammate behind the scenes as well. Who fills the void?

• DON MacGILLIVRAY: “Someone has to evolve into that type of player for us. We think we have good personnel. We’re not going to replace Ben McCartney, we’re not going to replace Braden Schneider, but we are going to give opportunities to guys to maybe be a better player than those guys or a different kind of player who contributes in a different way. Ben’s intangibles and Schneid’s intangibles were they were great in the dressing room and added some character and charisma. Ben played hard every night.”

• TYSON ZIMMER: “It’s hard to replace a guy like that. He was so vocal in the room, on the ice, at the dorms he was one of the loudest guys, and a guy who always made sure we were doing the right thing. To fill shoes like that, I’m not sure how long it will take but as a team we have to come together and figure out a way. It will be hard to do.”

• NOLAN RITCHIE: “It’s obviously a really big loss, not only the points that he brings but the energy he brings to the team and the leadership on the ice too. That’s a big loss to us but we have some young guys coming in too. It’s not just going to take one guy to fill that role, it’s going to take a bunch of guys.”

• BRETT HYLAND: “You have to start somewhere. With Ben, that’s something you can’t teach, and that’s his work ethic. That was huge part, and his leadership. He inspired guys with his nitty gritty and not everybody has that.”

7. How long will it take to get comfortable with the new pandemic normal?

• SUN: The Eastern Conference and the Western Conference won’t meet until the league final, new pandemic protocols are in place, road trips have changed. The bus trips and visiting Eastern Conference rinks will even be new for the team’s veteran 17-year-old players, who never left the Regina hub last season. There will be a lot of new experiences for what’s in some ways a double class of rookies this year.

• DON MacGILLIVRAY: “It’s the same for everybody other than Regina, everybody played in a visiting rink last year and had a different dressing room. Regina played in their own dressing room in their own rink but I suspect everybody is going to have some challenges when they go on the road because it’s a different way of doing things … It’s how we handle those challenges. We’ll see a lot about our team and the character of our group.”

• BRETT HYLAND: “I’m a rookie too to this. You can always be learning, no matter who you are, so I’m going to be trying to learn off the guys who have done that and talk to them. I don’t think I’m a veteran yet — I have a lot of learning to do — so I’m just going to keep an open mind and go from there.”

• RYLEN ROERSMA: “I haven’t experienced the travel and the grind of the Western Hockey League yet. That’s going to be a big difference coming from midget and not travelling as much. Even the different atmosphere in every rink is all going to play a factor in the games. It’s going to be something we have to adjust to.”

• TYSON ZIMMER: “I like to think I’m pretty comfortable. Last year was obviously a different year not doing as much as the rookies did. We did what we could, picking up pucks as much as we could, but other than that there isn’t too much to do because we were in the bubble. Bus trips are always fun. I’m not sure how those P.A. bus trips are going to be for long bus rides but at the same time you’re with the guys, so nothing’s better than that.”

• ETHAN KRUGER: “I think being an older guy, I’m kind of used to it. I’ve played in every situation. For the younger guys, it might be a bit different, especially their first time in the league. I think they’ll kind of lean on the older guys to help them get through it but I think we’ll be just fine.”

• CHAD NYCHUK: “It’s already somewhat back to normal. Everyone is really excited to be back here and getting ready for Friday night. It’s going to be a good one.”

8. Is Brandon’s 2004-born class of forwards expected to take a big step in their 17-year-old seasons?

• SUN: Brandon’s trio of 2004-born first-rounders — Nate Danielson, Tyson Zimmer and Rylen Roersma — have been joined by Jesiah Bennett, the team’s third-rounder in the 2019 draft, plus the recently acquired Ben Thornton. It’s easy to see this is a group the team will be building around in two seasons, but how much of the burden will they be expected to carry right now?

• DON MacGILLIVRAY: “They have to keep getting better every day. I think last year, if you look at our lineup early last year, one of those guys was in the starting lineup, Danielson playing on the fourth line.

By the end, he was playing arguably on the second line and Roersma was contributing and Zimmer had his moments. The three guys from last year definitely need to take a step. They got their feet wet and should be able to contribute on a night-to-night basis in lots of different areas. Bennett and Thornton, I don’t know if they played that much last year so those guys are going to take a little bit longer. They’ll be more like an ‘05 coming in this year.”

• RYLEN ROERSMA: “I think we need to take a huge jump here this year. It was a great experience in the bubble last year, we got a taste of the league and a taste of what the team atmosphere was. Now that we’re settled into Brandon finally playing at Westoba Place, I think it’s time for us to step up a bit and find out what our role is on the team.”

• TYSON ZIMMER: “We’re pretty excited. Everyone coming into the rink is pretty pumped. Last year it was nice to play with those guys and this year it’s exciting … For us to come in with shoes to be filled, if we can help fill them and win games, that’s what we’re going to do. I’m pretty excited personally to be part of it.”

• NEITHAN SALAME: “It’s going to be great to have them. All of those guys we had last year are going to take a big jump forward this year and the new guys coming in are going to be great additions to our team.”

• NOLAN RITCHIE: “They’re all really good players, the three of them were really good last year so they’re going to take big steps this year, and then the other guys coming in have looked really good in the practices and the games so hopefully they can contribute to the team. You don’t want to put too much on the young guys but they’re all good players so they can play.”

• CHAD NYCHUK: “They’re just starting out and getting their feet wet in Brandon. They’re looking to take big steps and bigger roles. It’s going to come down to who wants it the most. I’m sure they’re all really looking forward to it.”

 

9. How does the overage situation play itself out?

• SUN: The sad reality of life in the Western Hockey League is that three 20-year-old players are allowed per team, regardless of the blood, sweat and tears they’ve invested in their club over the previous years. Goalie Ethan Kruger is staying, making it a three-way battle between veteran Brandon defencemen Neithan Salame and Chad Nychuk and Finnish forward Marcus Kallionkieli. If it’s one of the defencemen, Brandon loses a well-respected member of its internal leadership group who came of age with the team.

• DON MacGILLIVRAY: “We’ve had three exhibition games and we have lots of experience with the guys we have. They’re aware of the situation. It’s not a great rule for our team for this year, but at the same time, we don’t make the rules. We’re going to lose a really good hockey player and a really good person … We hope that we make the right decision and the three guys who are remaining will be good players and good people.”

• NEITHAN SALAME: “It is tough, especially because you’re battling with some of your best friends, not only in hockey but in life for the spot but it is what it is. We’re just coming to work every day trying not to think about it and just put our best foot forward.”

• CHAD NYCHUK: “It’s going to be a tough day. I’ve been playing with these guys for four years now and grew up being rookies with them going all the way through. At the end of the day, it’s part of hockey and you have to move on. It’s going to be a tough day but it has to happen.”

• NOLAN RITCHIE: “It’s really tough. You create really good friendships with all of them over the last few years so it’s obviously going to be a tough day. That’s part of hockey so we just have to live with it.”

• RYLEN ROERSMA: “That’s real tough. I love the boys. We have a great team here, everyone gets along really well and loves hanging out with each other. It’s going to be tough when that decision gets made. I hope for the best for whoever gets dealt.”

 

10. Where do they fit in the East Division this season?

• SUN: They play a 68-game season to answer this question, but it’s fun to pontificate. Some hockey insiders are suggesting the Winnipeg Ice are the team to beat with their deep corps of forwards and high-end defenceman Carson Lambos, but there is talent throughout the division. Needless to say, the Wheat Kings are adamant they’ll be in the hunt this season despite weathering some tremendous losses after last season.

• DON MacGILLIVRAY: “Every team has some really good players. If you look at Regina, they have (Connor) Bedard and (Zach) Stringer now, Winnipeg has (Matthew) Savoie, (Conor) Geekie and (Connor) McClennon and Lambos on the back end, P.A. has (Ozzy) Weisblatt and potentially Kaiden Guhle, everybody has a good player you’ll have to worry about. But we have good players that they have to worry about. At the end of the day, I can’t worry about other teams, I have to worry about our team. All prognostications and predictions don’t matter to me. We just have to keep growing our team and be the best we can be and make the other teams worry about us.”

• ETHAN KRUGER: “I think we have to shoot for the top of the East for sure. If we settle for anything less, why are we playing? I think that’s where we’ll be.”

• RYLEN ROERSMA: “We haven’t had the start we wanted in pre-season but it’s a good thing no points are awarded for pre-season wins. I think we’ll be really good once the season comes. If we keep working hard, I think we’ll be right up there for the lead in our division.”

• BRETT HYLAND: “I think we’re going to be good. I have high hopes for us. It might take a little bit of time for guys to find their game but that’s OK. I think we’re going to come together as one and we’ll be fine.”

• NEITHAN SALAME: “We won the bubble championship last year and we’re going to get teams’ best every night. We have high expectations for ourselves and I think other teams have high expectations also. We have to come in thinking we can be the best and we can live up to it.”

» pbergson@brandonsun.com

» Twitter: @PerryBergson

 

All information was gathered from pre-season rosters and regular season rosters if available. Each team is only allowed three overage players, with some overagers still coming back from pro camps. Some import players will report after pro camps end. Final cuts may still come.

 

BRANDON WHEAT KINGS

• Last year: 18-4-2-0, first in East.

• Head coach: Don MacGillivray.

• GM: Doug Gasper.

• Graduates: F Lynden McCallum, F Marcus Sekundiak, F Reid Perepeluk, D Braden Schneider, F Ben McCartney.

• This season’s overagers: G Ethan Kruger, F Marcus Kallionkieli, D Chad Nychuk, D Neithan Salame (one must go).

• Imports: F Zakhar Polshakov, F Marcus Kallionkieli.

• Manitobans: D Chad Nychuk, Rossburn (2001); F Nolan Ritchie, Brandon (2002); D Zach Turner, Boissevain (2004); D Owen Harris, Wawanesa (2004); F Jesiah Bennett, Winnipeg (2004); F Tyson Zimmer, Russell (2004); G Carson Bjarnason, Carberry (2005).

 

WINNIPEG ICE

• Last year: 24-18-5-1, second in East

• Head coach: James Patrick.

• GM: Matt Cockell.

• Graduates: F Peyton Krebs, F Jackson Leppard, G Carl Stankowski, F Anderson MacDonald.

• This season’s overagers: F Jakin Smallwood, F Cole Muir, D Nolan Orzeck.

• Imports: D Maximilian Streule, Switzerland (2003); D Martin Bohm, Czech Republic (2003).

• Manitobans: F Cole Muir, Vista (2001); F Sequoia Swan, Winnipeg (2002), D Carson Lambos, Winnipeg (2003); D Brandt Young, Neepawa (2003); F Skyler Bruce, Winnipeg (2003); F Chase Bertholet, The Pas (2003); F Conor Geekie, Strathclair (2004), F Evan Friesen, Winnipeg (2004); G Dawson Cowan, Warren (2005).

 

SASKATOON BLADES 

• Last year: 16-5-2-1, third in East.

• Head coach: Brennan Sonne.

• GM: Colin Priestner.

• Graduates: F Chase Wouters, F Caiden Daley, D Wyatt McLeod.

• This season’s overagers: G Nolan Maier, F Evan Patrician, D Rhett Rhinehart, F Tristen Robins of Brandon (if he returns from pro).

• Imports: F Moritz Elias, Germany (2004); F Yegor Sidorov, Belarus (2004).

• Manitobans: F Tristen Robins, Brandon, (2001); D Ben Saunderson, Carberry (2004); F Tyler Parr, La Salle (2005); F Lukas Hansen, Winnipeg (2005). 

 

PRINCE ALBERT RAIDERS

• Last year: 9-11-3-1, fourth in East.

• Head coach: Marc Habscheid.

• GM: Curtis Hunt.

• Graduates: G Max Paddock, F Spencer Moe, F Justin Nachbaur.

• This season’s overagers: D Remy Aquilon, F Michael Horon, F Reece Vitelli, F Eric Pearce (one must go).

• Imports: F Vladislav Shilo, Belarus (2003), G Tikhon Chaika, Belarus (2003).

• Manitobans: F Reece Vitelli, Winnipeg (2001), F Evan Herman, The Pas (2002), D Tayem Gislason, Winnipeg (2003), F Bryce Warkentine, Landmark (2003). 

 

REGINA PATS

• Last year: 9-12-2-1, fifth in East.

• Head coach: Dave Struch

• GM: John Paddock

• Graduates: F Carson Denomie, G Roddy Ross, D Kyle Walker.

• This season’s overagers: F Carter Chorney, F Logan Nijhoff, D Ryker Evans, F Zack Smith.

• Imports: D Stanislav Svozil, Czech Republic (2003).

• Manitobans: F Jakob Brook, Roblin (2002); F Sloan Stanick, Rapid City (2003); G Matthew Kieper, Winnipeg (2004). 

 

MOOSE JAW WARRIORS

• Last year: 8-13-3-0, sixth in East.

• Head coach: Mark O’Leary.

• GM: Jason Ripplinger.

• Graduates: F Tate Popple, F Riley Krane, F Brad Ginnell.

• This season’s overagers: G Carl Tetachuk, F Logan Doust.

• Imports: F Robert Baco, Slovakia (2003), F Martin Rysavy, Czech Republic (2003).

• Manitobans: F Calder Anderson, Brandon (2002), D Daemon Hunt, Brandon (2002), D Cole Jordan, Brandon (2002), F Eric Alarie, Winnipeg (2003), D Lucas Brenton, Winnipeg (2003), D Denton Mateychuk, Dominion City (2004).  

 

CENTRAL DIVISION

EDMONTON OIL KINGS

• Last year: 20-2-0-1, first in Central. (Not all teams played 24 games. Placings were determined by winning percentage.)

• Head coach: Brad Lauer.

• GM: Kirt Hill.

• Graduates: F Oliver Kaid, D Ethan Cap, F Scott Atkinson.

• This season’s overagers: F Josh Williams, F Carter Souch, D Simon Kubicek.

• Imports: D Simon Kubicek, Czech Republic (2001); F Jakub Demek, Slovakia (2003).

• Manitobans: None.

 

MEDICINE HAT TIGERS

• Last year: 14-8-0-1, second in Central.

• Head coach: Willie Desjardins.

• GM: Willie Desjardins.

• Graduates: D Cole Clayton, F Brett Kemp, F Ryan Chyzowski, F Cycle McNabb.

• This season’s overagers: F Corson Hopwo, F Lucas Svejkovsky, D Eric Van Impe, D Daniel Baker (one must go).

• Imports: D Bogdans Hodass, Latvia (2003). 

• Manitobans: F Cayden Glover, Brandon (2004), D Aidan Brook, Roblin (2003), F Steven Arp, Swan River (2004).

 

CALGARY HITMEN

• Last year: 10-8-3-0, third in Central.

• Head coach: Steve Hamilton.

• GM: Jeff Chynoweth.

• Graduates: F Riley Stotts, F Josh Prokop, F Orca Weisblatt.

• This season’s overagers: F Cael Zimmerman, F Allan Blake, D Jackson van de Leest, G Jack McNaughton (one must go).

• Imports: None.

• Manitobans: D Evan Toth, Winnipeg (2002); G Ethan Buenaventura, Winnipeg (2004).

 

LETHBRIDGE HURRICANES

• Last year: 9-12-3-0, fourth in Central.

• Head coach: Brent Kisio.

• GM: Peter Anholt.

• Graduates: F Liam Kindree, F Dino Kambeitz, D Mitch Prowse.

• This season’s overagers: F Logan Barlage, F Justin Hall, D Alex Cotton.

• Imports: F Yegor Klavdiev, Belarus (2003), F Peter Repcik, Slovakia (2004).

• Manitobans: F Briley Wood, Rivers (2003).

 

RED DEER REBELS

• Last year: 4-15-4-0, fifth in Central.

• Head coach: Steve Konowalchuk.

• GM: Brent Sutter. 

• Graduates: F Josh Tarzwell, F Chris Douglas, G Ethan Anders.

• This season’s overagers: F Arshdeep Bains, F Blake Stevenson, F Liam Keeler.

• Imports: D Christoffer Sedoff, Finland (2002). 

• Manitobans: D Carter Anderson, Thompson (2004). 

 

SWIFT CURRENT BRONCOS

• Last year: 6-16-2-0, seventh in East.

• Head coach: Dean Brockman.

• GM: Dean Brockman.

• Graduates: D Kaleb Bulych, F Michael Farren, D Owen Williams.

• This season’s overagers: D Rylan Thiessen, F Cole Nagy, G Isaac Poulter, F Aiden Bulych (one must go)

• Imports: D Rayan Bettahar, Poland (2004). 

 

• Manitobans: D Rylan Thiessen, Brandon (2001); G Isaac Poulter, Winnipeg (2001); F Carter Halamandaris, Winnipeg (2003); F Braeden Lewis, Virden (2003); G Reid Dyck, Winkler (2004); D Owen Pickering, St. Adolphe (2004); F Josh Filmon, Winnipeg (2004); F Karson King, Warren (2004); D Grayson Burzynski, Winnipeg (2005); F Rylan Gould, Headingley (2005).

 

WESTERN CONFERENCE

B.C. DIVISION

KAMLOOPS BLAZERS

• Last year: 18-4-0-0, first in B.C. (Not all teams played 22 games. Placings were determined by winning percentage.)

• Head coach: Shaun Clouston.

• GM: Shaun Clouston.

• Graduates: D Sean Strange, D Montana Onyebuchi, F Brodi Stuart, F Orrin Centazzo.

• This season’s overagers: G Jesse Makaj, F Nick McCarry, D Quinn Schmiemann, D Viktor Persson.

• Imports: D Viktor Persson, Sweden (2001). 

• Manitobans: F Reese Belton, Winnipeg (2002). 

 

KELOWNA ROCKETS

• Last year: 10-5-1-0, second in B.C.

• Head coach: Kris Mallette.

• GM: Bruce Hamilton.

• Graduates: F Liam Kindree, D Sean Comrie, F David Kope, F Dillon Hamaliuk.

• This season’s overagers: D Tyson Feist, G Cole Schebius, D Jake Lee, F Mark Liwiski (one must go).

• Imports: F Pavel Novak, Czech Republic (2002), F Gabriel Szturc, Czech Republic (2003).

• Manitobans: F Mark Liwiski, Dauphin, F Jake Poole, McAuley (2002), D William Irvine, Morden (2003). 

 

VANCOUVER GIANTS

• Last year: 12-10-0-0, third in B.C.

• Head coach: Michael Dyck.

• GM: Barclay Parneta.

• Graduates: F Eric Florchuk, F Tristen Nielsen, D Alex Kannok Leipert.

• This season’s overagers: F Adam Hall, D Connor Horning, D Cade McNelly.

• Imports: G Jesper Vikman, Sweden (2002); D Marko Stacha, Slovakia (2002).

• Manitobans: F Ty Thorpe, Brandon (2002); F Justin Lies, Flin Flon (2003). 

 

PRINCE GEORGE COUGARS

• Last year: 9-10-2-1, fourth in B.C.

• Head coach: Mark Lamb.

• GM: Mark Lamb.

• Graduates: F Elijah Colina, D Jack Sander.

• This season’s overagers: F Jonny Hooker, G Taylor Gauthier, F Connor Bowie, D Majid Kaddoura (one must go).

• Imports: D Viliam Kmec, Slovakia (2004), F Liekit Reichle, Switzerland (2003).

• Manitobans: F Jonny Hooker, Brandon/Winnipeg (2001), G Tyler Brennan Winnipeg (2003), F Michael Svenson, Ile-des-Chênes (2003), D Hudson Thornton, Winnipeg (2003).

 

VICTORIA ROYALS

• Last year: 3-17-1-1, fifth in B.C.

• Head coach: Dan Price.

• GM: Dan Price.

• Graduates: F Brandon Cutler, D Matthew Smith, G Adam Evanoff.

• This season’s overagers: F Graeme Bryks, F Tarun Fizer.

• Imports: G Sebastian Wraneschitz, Austria (2002); F Keanu Derungs, Switzerland (2002).

• Manitobans: F Trent Crane, Morden (2003). 

 

U.S. DIVISION

EVERETT SILVERTIPS

• Last year: 19-4-0-0, first in U.S. (Not all teams played 24 games. Placings were determined by winning percentage.)

• Head coach: Dennis Williams.

• GM: Dennis Williams.

• Graduates: F Ty Colle, F Cole Fonstad, F Ethan Renier, F Gianni Fairbrother.

• This season’s overagers: D Jonny Lambos, F Hunter Campbell, F Alex Swetlikoff.

• Imports: F Michael Gut, Czech Republic (2002), F Niko Huuhtanen (2003).

• Manitobans: D Jonny Lambos, Winnipeg (2001), F Ryan Hofer, Winnipeg (2002), D Dexter Whittle, Virden (2004).

 

PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS

• Last year: 13-8-3-0, second in U.S.

• Head coach: Mike Johnston.

• GM: Mike Johnston.

• Graduates: F Mason Mannek, D Nick Cicek.

• This season’s overagers: D Jonas Brondberg, D Clay Hanus, D Kade Nolan.

• Imports: D Jonas Brondberg Denmark (2001), D Marek Alscher, Czech Republic (2004).

• Manitobans: F Tyson Kozak, Souris (2002), D Ryden Thompson, Russell (2004), F Seth Jarvis, Winnipeg (2002), G Dante Gianuzzi, Winnipeg (2002), F Aidan Litke, Winnipeg (2003), F Dawson Pasternak, Winnipeg (2003). 

 

SEATTLE THUNDERBIRDS

• Last year: 10-12-0-1, third in U.S.

• Head coach: Matt O’Dette.

• GM: Bill La Forge.

• Graduates: F Keltie Jeri-Leon.

• This season’s overagers: F Henrik Rybinski, D Ryan Gottfried.

• Imports: D Leon Okonkwo Prada, United Kingdom (2003); F Alessandro Segafredo, Italy (2004).

• Manitobans: D Ryan Gottfried, Winnipeg (2001); F Conner Roulette, Winnipeg (2003); D Spencer Penner, Blumenort (2004).

 

SPOKANE CHIEFS

• Last year: 6-10-4-1, fourth in U.S.

• Head coach: Adam Maglio.

• GM: Scott Carter.

• Graduates: D Matt Leduc, F Eli Zummack, F Bobby Russell.

• This season’s overagers: F Luke Toporowski, F Cordel Larson, F Bear Hughes.

• Imports: D Timafey Kovgoreniya, Belarus (2003). 

• Manitobans: F Grady Lane, Virden (2003); F Michael Cicek, Winnipeg (2004); D Ben Bonni, Winnipeg (2004). 

 

TRI-CITY AMERICANS

• Last year: 7-12-0-0, fifth in U.S.

• Head coach: Stu Barnes.

• GM: Bob Tory.

• Graduates: F Jack Barnes, G Donovan Buskey, F Nick Bowman.

• This season’s overagers: D Jordan Chudley, F Connor Bouchard, D Mitchell Brown, F Samuel Huo (one must go).

• Imports: F Petr Moravec, Czech Republic (2003), G Tomas Suchanek, Czech Republic (2003).

• Manitobans: D Jordan Chudley, Souris (2001); F Landon Roberts, Souris (2002).