Brandon, MB. – The Brandon Wheat Kings will have a new head coach for the 2019-20 Western Hockey League season. Brandon Owner and Governor Kelly McCrimmon has announced a change in the coaching ranks of the hockey club as head coach David Anning’s contract will not be renewed. This is the second significant move made by McCrimmon this spring. In early May, he relieved Grant Armstrong from his duties as general manager. “We would like to thank David for his seven years with our organization.” said McCrimmon. “He was an important part of our Championship team and aided in the development of many of our players. We wish him the best in his next coaching opportunity.“ The Wheat Kings new GM is expected to play an integral role in the hiring process of the new head coach. A 34-year old Winnipeg native, David Anning joined the Wheat Kings in the 2012-2013 season and was named head coach in August of 2016. Anning came to the Wheat Kings after coaching six seasons in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. After leading Brandon to back to back playoff appearances, including a trip to the Eastern Conference Semi-Final in 2018, the Wheat Kings failed to qualify for post season play for the first time in six years. In three seasons as head coach of the Wheat Kings, Anning compiled a 102-87-23 record. Only three others – McCrimmon (423), Bob Lowes (363) and Dunc McCallum (251) have won more games behind the Brandon bench. A search for Anning’s successor will begin immediately.

The MJHL's annual bantam draft took place earlier this morning in Winnipeg and Carberry's Luke Robson was the first player selected by the Waywayseecappo Wolverines. Robson registered 34 points in 32 regular season games while skating with the Southwest Cougars Bantam AAA team in 18/19. With the second overall selection in the draft the Virden Oil Capitals drafted Carson Buydens who tallied 46 points in just 34 games for the Central Plains Capitals. Braden Keeble was the first member of the Brandon Wheat Kings Bantam AAA team to be drafted as Waywayseecappo selected him 15th overall in the second round of the draft. Teammate Rylan Hossack was then drafted several rounds later in the 4th by the Steinbach Pistons. The rugged 175lb forward amassed 62 PIM's in 35 games while managing to chip in offensively with 15 points as well. The Virden Oil Capitals used the 62nd pick in the draft to select Brandon's Ethan Guthrie. Last season, Guthrie compiled 30 points patrolling the blue line with the Wheat Kings Bantam AAA team. A complete list of the draft can be found here.

TSN is reporting that the the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers will play an exhibition game at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg the third week of August. The Bombers are scheduled to be on the road in Edmonton during Week 11 of the CFL schedule, freeing up the stadium. A press conference has been called by the Winnipeg Football Club for Wednesday when they are expected to make the announcement official.

Wheat Kings Sign 3-Prospects The Brandon Wheat Kings have signed their three first round picks from this year’s Western Hockey League Bantam Draft. Red Deer’s Nate Danielson, Tyson Zimmer of Russell and Rylen Roersma of Raymond, Alberta have committed to the team after being drafted 5th, 6th and 16th overall. New Coaches in the MJHL Last week, The Virden Oil Capitals announced the hiring of Tyson Ramsey as the organization’s new Head Coach and GM. Ramsey was an assistant coach for the Oil Capitals last season. He also spent 4 years as head coach of the Wheat Kings AAA Midget program. The OCN Blizzard will also have new faces behind the bench for the 2019/20 season. Ryan Wood and Chris Perchaluk have been named Associate Head Coaches while Nic Rusak was named the team's assistant coach. The Swan Valley Stampeders of the MJHL announced the hiring of Geoff Grimwood as Head Coach and General Manager. Grimwood signed a 3-year deal with the club. He replaces Barry Wolff who was named head coach and general manager of the Merritt Centennials of the BCHL. Geekie signs with Winnipeg Ice The Winnipeg Ice have signed F Conor Geekie to a WHL contract. Geekie, from Strathclair, Man., was the second-overall selection in the 2019 bantam draft.

The Wheat City Whiskey Jacks first home opener in franchise history goes this Tuesday against the Souris Valley Sabre Dogs. The first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. at Andrews Field. A fireworks show is scheduled at the conclusion of the game. Owner Steve Wagner told told bdnmb.ca that plenty of work has been completed to provide the best overall experience for the fans. "The games will be fun for the fans, I can guarantee that" said Steve. "Ticket sales have been brisk as of late" he added. Amenities for fans include a "party deck" along the first base side, a supervised kids zone and a VIP section. Numerous activities will take place between innings bringing fans onto the field. There will be an apparel kiosk at the diamond for those fans looking to purchase some Whisky Jack's swag. An exciting food and beverage program will also be part of the overall fan experience. "Food and beer options will be very good for the fans" Wagner concluded. For more information, please visit their web site.