– It’s a first-place showdown for the Brandon Wheat Kings on Friday night as they entertain the Swift Current Broncos. The teams are currently tied for top spot in the East Division, and will go head-to-head twice in the next three days. Faceoff is 7:30 p.m., with our 30-minute pre-game show beginning at 7:00 p.m. For more on the Wheat Kings, visit Bruce Luebke’s blog at http://luberslounge.blogspot.ca/.
– The Winnipeg Jets fell 4-2 against the Washington Capitals to snap their three-game winning streak. Bryan Little and Dustin Byfuglien did the goal scoring for Winnipeg, who gave up three straight in the third. Ondrej Pavelec made 26 saves for the Jets, who remain two points back of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
– Tampa Bay Lightning captain Marty St. Louis is getting the call to represent Canada at the Sochi Winter Games. He’s replacing the injured Steven Stamkos on Canadian squad who begin the Olympics next Thursday against Norway. St. Louis was the NHL’s top point getter last season with 17 goals and 60 points in 48 games. The 38-year-old’s having another strong campaign this year with 25 goals and 55 points in 57 games.
– The top players in the Westman High School Hockey League will be front and centre in Hamiota this weekend for the annual all-star game. The Deloraine/Hartney Colts have five players taking part with the Dauphin Clippers, Neepawa Tigers and Vincent Massey Vikings next with four players each. Game time Sunday is 2 p.m.
– The Neelin Spartans split their two games Thursday to open the Java Jam high school basketball tournament in Brandon. Paige Thomson scored 37 points as the Spartans knocked off the Westwood Warriors 72-57. Earlier, Neelin dropped a 71-62 decision against Virden with Natalie Vachon putting up 20 points for the Golden Bears. Also in the varsity girls’ division, the Vincent Massey Vikings defeated Westwood 62-59 while Dakota got past the Crocus Plainsmen 48-33. The tournament continues Friday and Saturday.
– Manitoba’s Chelsea Carey closes out the round-robin Friday morning against Prince Edward Island at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Carey and company split their two games Thursday, defeating Ontario 9-8 in an extra end, before falling 6-4 against Alberta. Manitoba has a record of 8-2 and sew up a spot in the Page 1-2 Playoff with a victory against PEI. Canada’s Rachel Homan has locked first-place with a perfect 10-0 record.
– The Winnipeg Blue Bombers swung a deal with the Saskatchewan Roughriders to acquire quarterback Drew Willy and signed him to a contract extension. The Bombers are sending wide receiver Jade Etienne to the Riders in exchange. Willy spent the past two seasons as backup QB with the Riders, posting a record of 2-2. Last year, he completed 32 of 52 passes for 474 yards and four touchdowns.
– Linebacker Henoc Muamba was let go by the Bombers to pursue a deal in the NFL, and ones reportedly been reached with the Indianapolis Colts. He was named the top Canadian player in the CFL’s East Division last season.
