Winnipeg, MB – Dave Lowry earned his first win as the Head Coach of the Brandon Wheat Kings on Saturday night with a 4-2 Wheat Kings win over the Winnipeg ICE.
Over 1600+ fans sold out the Wayne Fleming Arena on the campus of the University of Manitoba to watch the return of the WHL to the City of Winnipeg.
The Wheat Kings got off to a much better start on Saturday, with Ben McCartney opening the scoring on the powerplay. The Portage native finished the night early due to a game misconduct, but still finished with a goal and an assist for a two-point night.
Winnipeg quickly regained the lead with two goals in a span of four minutes. The first, off the stick of Michael Teply came on a two-man advantage.
Brad Ginnell’s first of the season put Winnipeg in front heading to the 1st intermission.
Brandon came out flying in the 2nd period, Luka Burzan scored twice in the opening 4:33 to help Brandon regain the lead.
In the third period, Lynden McCallum jammed home his first of the season to restore the two-goal lead.
Brandon’s penalty-killing continued to be a strong point on Saturday night, killing five of six penalties including a five-minute major for the 2nd straight night. The Wheat Kings killed 10 out of 11 penalties they took this weekend.
Jiri Patera was solid once again between the pipes, turning aside 33 shots for the win, while Dean McNabb continued his strong play in goal for Winnipeg, making 35 saves in the losing effort.
Brandon is back in action on Friday night when they welcome Moose Jaw to kick off a weekend home and home series with the Warriors. (7:30 Puck Drop – 7:00 Broadcast Time)
SCORING SUMMARY
1st PERIOD
BWK – Ben McCartney (1) (Schneider, Nychuk) 3:13 PPG
WPG – Michael Teply (2) (Ginnell, Creta) 6:22 5on3
WPG – Brad Ginnell (1) (McLennon, Creta) 8:56
Shots: 12-8 Brandon
2nd PERIOD
BWK – Luka Burzan (1) (Unassisted) 0:49
BWK – Luka Burzan (2) (McCartney) 4:33 PPG
Shots: 18-15 Brandon
3rd PERIOD
BWK – Lynden McCallum (1) (Hooker) 17:06
Final Shots: 36-34 Brandon–
