Earlier today Connor Gutenberg was named the Brandon Wheat Kings 63rd captain in franchise history. Gutenberg is the last remaining regular from the Wheat Kings 2016 Championship team and is entering his 5th and final season in the WHL. Braden Schneider, Zach Wytinck, Luka Burzan and Cole Reinhardt were all named alternates for the 2019-20 season. The Wheat Kings home opener goes Friday, September 20 against the Winnipeg Ice. A number of activities have been planned for opening night including an indoor tailgate party complete with pizza, hot dogs, beverages, face painting, inflatables and bumper cars. 94.7 Star FM will be providing the music and the tailgate party is free to attend with your Wheat King game ticket. The Tailgate Party will be held from 5:00-7:00pm in the MNP Hall.

The Wheat City Whiskey Jacks of the Expedition League have found a new Head Coach to guide the team into the 2020 season, and beyond. Walker Bullington, a native of Russellville, Tennessee, is the new Head Coach, and the second in Wheat City Whiskey Jacks history. He’s currently a member of the coaching staff at Spring Hill College Badgers (SIAC) in Mobile, Alabama. This past summer, Walker coached collegiate baseball in Puerto Rico and has a championship to his credit in 2018, while with the Little River Blue Crabs (CSCBL). Previously, Bullington spent three seasons as the assistant baseball coach with the College of San Mateo Bulldogs in Northern California, where he worked with catchers and hitters. “Walker is fantastic; a master recruiter” said Whiskey Jacks Owner Steve Wagner. “Walker will not only be great for our team, but a real nice addition to our league in helping to develop young talent” Wagner added. The new coach was just as excited, “I’ve heard great things about the Expedition League, and it’s a thrill to be coming to Canada to grow the game there in a great sports nation”, said Bullington. Bullington played college baseball at Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee, where he graduated with a Business Education degree. His coaching career began while still in college, as Walker created a private baseball instruction academy called Walkoff Baseball Training. He also has experience in radio, having worked as a color commentator, broadcasting high school baseball and football games for WCRK 105.7 FM, in Morristown, Tennessee. In his post collegiate career, Bullington has worked with the Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals and New York Yankees conducting their MLB Youth Camps. During the time in these organizations, he was able to work closely with several major league players and prospects on skill development. Bullington went on and accepted a position in Singapore to become the General Manager, Coach, and Tournament Director for The Hit Factory in Southeast Asia. Walker has also coached high school basketball at Cornerstone Academy, was an assistant coach at his alma mater, and even taught 8th grade mathematics in East Tennessee. Walker Bullington currently resides in Mobile, Alabama with his wife, Samantha.

The Brandon Ringette Association is planning a free event for kids to try the sport. The event is open to ages four and up, and will take place on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. at the Kinsmen Arena in the Keystone Centre. Brandon ringette coaches and players will lead an on-ice session from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Participants should bring skates, a helmet and gloves or mitts. Sticks and rings will be provided. To take part in the event, email brandonringette@gmail.com, or call or text Rob at 204-901-4412. Last season, the under-12 Brandon Blizzards claimed the BRA’s first Winnipeg Ringette League title, winning the U12 A4 Division championship. The U14 and U16 Blizzards both won silver medals at the provincial championships. (article submitted)

Tyler Coulter and Josh Elmes have signed with the Rapid City Rush for the 2019-20 ECHL season. Elmes spent time with the Rush last year suiting up in 59 games. Coulter returns to North American professional hockey after having spent last season in Sweden. Joining Elmes & Coulter in Rapid City is former Wheat King captain Peter Quenneville. Daniel Tetrault, another former member of the Wheat Kings, is the head coach for the Rush. Brock Trotter will be suiting up this season with HKm Zvolen, a professional Slovak ice hockey club based in Zvolen.  Last season Trotter spent the season playing professionally in Austria where he registered 55 points in 42 games.

A new Facebook group (Westman 2nd Life Sports Equipment) was recently created for those looking at giving their used sports equipment a second life. The group will provide the perfect place to buy and sell used sporting equipment in Brandon and area. The page was started by Jeff Derlago as he found it very time consuming searching out the numerous pages and online listings trying to find the perfect brand, size, and quality of equipment. There is already a quality of items posted for sale including skates, goalie equipment, bikes and more. All deals are between the buyer and seller.