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Tuesday, February 11, 2025
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Brandon Tournament of Champions 2025 Week 1 Wrap-up

Hawryluk moves up the ladder

Schoonbaert SIgns With Top UK Team

Brandon Wheat Kings Announce Trade with Tri-City Americans

Bjarnason named to Canada’s National Junior Team for 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship

Vincent Massey’s Varsity Girls Volleyball Team Wins Provincial Championship

City Celebrates Partnership To Bring State-Of-The-Art Indoor Pickleball Courts To The Heart of Brandon

Souris product Tyson Kozak makes NHL debut

Brandon Tournament of Champions 2025 Week 1 Wrap-up

Photo: Brandon TOC Week one of the annual Hockey Brandon Tournament of Champions concluded Sunday with champions being decided in 3 different divisions. Male U13 A  Merrick Huberdeau notched 3 goals and an assist to lead the Russell Rams to a decisive 6-3 victory over the Dauphin Kings in the Male U13A final. Also scoring for Russell was Cash Nerbas (1), Jaxxon Tremblay (1), and Wickus Pieterse (2). Goalie Ryder Lappage recorded 12 saves to pickup the win in net for the Rams. Male U13 AA The Brandon Wheat Kings Black U13A club scored 5 goals in the first period en-route to a 9-1 drubbing of the Minto Wolves in the U13A final on Sunday afternoon. Kale Nicol lead the way with 5 goals and 2 assists. Walker Hargreaves, Bowe Bridges, Nixon Boguski and Oliver Martin each chipped in with a goal a piece for the Wheat Kings. Male U15 A  Rayden Mayer and Mex Kessler each found he back of the net 3 times as the Prairie Storm Thunder rolled past the Swan Valley Stampeders 9-5 in a game played at the Enns Brothers Arena. Swan River's Dylan Anderson replied with a hattrick of his own in the loss, while teammate Luke Harness had 5-points on the strength of 2 goals and 3 assists.. Week 2 takes place this weekend and sees teams from Regina, Minot, Winnipeg, Fort Francis  and more competing in 3 different divisions. U11 A1 Female U13 AA Male U15 AA

Hawryluk moves up the ladder

Former Brandon Wheat King, from Roblin and now calls Brandon home ,Jayce Hawryluk has made a mid season change in Europe. Jayce started the year in Slovakia in Nove Zamky and recently his contract was bought out by EHC Kloten in the top league in Switzerland. Kloten is roughly 15 minutes away from Zurich. Of note Hawryluk informed BDNMB.CA while we were in Europe his favorite meal is seaweed. The staff and mgmt of BDNMB.CA DO NOT agree with his meal preference.

Schoonbaert SIgns With Top UK Team

Brandon's Brad Schoonbaert has left Kansas City in the ECHL and has made a deal with one of the top teams in the UK called Cardiff Devils. Former Steinbach Piston and U OF C forward has had a decent start to his pro career in the ECHL with Kansas City. Click on this story from Cardiff Devils https://www.cardiffdevils.com/news/devils-add-forward-brad-schoonbaert/

Brandon Wheat Kings Announce Trade with Tri-City Americans

The Brandon Wheat Kings have completed a trade with the Tri-City Americans, acquiring forward Jordan Gavin and Defenceman Merrek Arpin, in exchange for 2006-born defenceman Charlie Elick and a 3rd round pick in the 2026 Western Hockey League (WHL) Draft. Jordan Gavin, a former 2nd overall WHL draft pick, has 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points in 35 games this season. A dynamic forward known for his offensive ability, he has a point per game player in 2023-24. Gavin also won a Gold Medal with Team Canada at the 2023-24 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. His speed and playmaking skills will add depth to the Wheat Kings’ forward corps. Standing a towering 6 foot 4 inches, Merrek Arpin, a versatile player with a strong two-way game, brings a solid presence to the ice and is expected to provide valuable contributions at both ends of the rink. “We’re thrilled to add Jordan and Merrek to our team,” said Brandon Wheat Kings General Manager and Head Coach, Marty Murray. “Both players have a lot of upside and will complement the style of play we’re looking to build. This trade strengthens our roster as we focus on the rest of this season and beyond.” In return, the Wheat Kings part ways with Charlie Elick, a 2006-born defenceman who has been a steady presence on the blue line. Drafted 3rd overall in the same draft as Jordan Gavin, Charlie has suited up for the Wheat Kings in 171 regular season and playoff games, putting up 50 points. The Wheat Kings thank Charlie for his contributions to the team and wish him the best of luck with the Tri-City Americans. “This was a difficult decision, but we believe it’s a trade that benefits both teams, and all players involved” said Marty Murray. “We wish Charlie all the best as he moves forward in his development with Tri-City. He’s a skilled player, and we are confident he will continue to grow. We are also extremely excited for the future this trade brings to our team in adding Jordan and Merrek.” The Wheat Kings also send a 3rd round pick in the 2026 WHL Draft to Tri-City as part of the deal. WHL Trade Deadline is Thursday, January 9th. Next on-ice action for the team is Friday night, when the new look Wheat Kings take on the Portland Winterhawks.

Bjarnason named to Canada’s National Junior Team for 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship

Carson Bjarnason, the standout goaltender for the Brandon Wheat Kings, has earned a prestigious spot on Canada’s National Junior Team roster for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. The tournament takes place  in Ottawa from December 26 to January 5. Bjarnason’s selection comes as no surprise to those who have followed his meteoric rise in the hockey world. The 19-year-old goaltender from Carberry, Manitoba, has consistently impressed scouts and fans alike with his agility, poise, and game-changing saves. This season with the Wheat Kings, Bjarnason has been a cornerstone of his team’s success, boasting a stellar save percentage and several highlight-reel performances. Bjarnason, drafted in the second round, 51st overall, by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2024 NHL Draft, has continued to develop his skills in the Western Hockey League. His leadership and consistent play have made him a fan favorite in Brandon and a respected figure in Canadian junior hockey circles. Team Canada opens their campaign against Finland on Thursday, December 26. Check out the 2⃣5⃣ players who will wear the 🍁 at the #WorldJuniors in Ottawa! 🇨🇦 Voici les 2⃣5⃣ joueurs qui arboreront la 🍁 au #MondialJunior à Ottawa! 🇨🇦 ROSTER: https://t.co/rkEYGrNFYr FORMATION : https://t.co/aaliYCMONH pic.twitter.com/JFDvmr9tYG — Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) December 13, 2024