The 2022 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft has come and gone with the Brandon Wheat Kings selecting a total of eleven players, including three from Manitoba, three from Saskatchewan, one from Alberta and four from British Colombia. After a few years of multiple first round picks acquired via trades, the Wheat Kings entered the day with just their own first round pick at 12th overall and used it to select Joby Baumuller of Wilcox SK. As a member of the Notre Dame Hounds U-15 Prep team he scored 26 points in 20 games and 5 points in 3 playoff games. He joined the U-18 AAA Hounds for their playoffs and scored 5 points in 6 games including 4 goals. “He’s just the complete package” says Brandon’s Director of Player Personnel Chris Moulton. “he’s a strong guy that creates offense by attacking and being strong on pucks – his release and his shot is pro-like” The Wheat Kings went local in round 2 and selected Easton Odut from Brandon Wheat Kings u-15 AAA. Easton put up 75 points in 31 games during the regular season and another 14 points in 11 games during a Manitoba Provincial AAA Championship win. Draft day couldn’t of gone any better according to Chris Moulton. “There were players that we got today that we didn’t think we were gonna get. Our first rounder we had a lot higher than 12th and after that we knew we had lots of tough decisions, but we got some great local players and some with Wheat King roots. I’m ecstatic about the work my group did and I’m ecstatic about the players we chose.” Chris Moulton and staff won’t have to wait long before seeing some of the players in action as Wheat Kings spring camp is scheduled for the end of May.

Photo: Perry Bergson (Brandon Sun) Brandon's Cole Temple didn't have to wait long to hear his name called at this year's WHL Prospect Draft. The 5'9", 150lb Temple was selected 5th overall by the Regina Pats. The centreman amassed 108 points (58g, 50a) in only 28 games with the Brandon Wheat Kings U15 AAA hockey club this past season. He then added 30 points in 11 playoff games. NEWS????️: The Pats have traded the sixth and 54th overall selections in today's draft to the @SCBroncos in exchange the fifth overall pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick! With the fifth pick, the Pats have drafted Cole Temple! Welcome to Regina, Cole! #MarchOn — Regina Pats (@WHLPats) May 19, 2022 The Brandon Wheat Kings used the 12th overall pick to select Joby Baumuller, a centre from Wilcox. SK who spent last season with the Notre Dame Hounds U15 Prep team. This year's draft features players born in 2007. WHL Draft Tracker

The Brandon Barbarians Rugby Club are celebrating their 40th Anniversary this summer from August 5th to 7th at the Canada Games Rugby Park in Brandon. A number of different activities and events are planned over the three days including a welcome home meet & greet, Barbs & Alumni mixer game, dinner banquet, BBQ lunch and more. The club is also featuring a 40th anniversary line of apparel with a number of jackets, shirts, and headwear to choose from. Orders accepted until May 29th.

Local hockey product Zach Whitecloud was named to the 24-man lineup for the upcoming World Hockey Championship in Finland. This past season he registered a career high 19 points (8g,11a) for the Vegas Golden Knights. The  6-2, 209 lb defensemen signed with Vegas in March of 2018, after finishing his collegiate career. He made his NHL debut later that year (April 5, 2018) against the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers. Zach skated with the Brandon AAA U18 Wheat Kings in the 2013-14 season, and followed that up by playing two seasons with the MJHL’s Virden Oil Capitals. Former Brandon Wheat King goaltender Logan Thompson was also named to the team. Thompson started 19 games in net for the Vegas Golden Knights this past season. The 25-year netminder had an impressive .914 save % in his stint with the Knights and picked up 1 shutout along the way. Also named to the team were Strathclair's Morgan Geekie and Travis Sanheim of Elkhorn. Canada opens the 2022 IIHF World Championship against Germany on May 13.

Week 2 of the Source for Sports AAA Summer Hockey Challenge concluded today with both championship tilts being played at the J&G Homes Arena. Fifty-five teams hit the ice over the two weekends. Preparations for the 2013 tournament are already underway. The MB Hurricanes received goals from 6 different players en route to a 7-2 victory over the Southwest Storm to claim the U12 female title. Reese Kartusch (2), Katie Harvey, Dayle Bettens, Jakiah Curle, Kennedy Carriere, and Addy Whitely were the Hurricane's goal scorers while Sydney Boughton picked up 2 assists. Brynn Rice scored both goals for the Storm in the loss. In front of a large and boisterous crowd, The Prairie Mountain Thunder upended the Regina Cougars 6-3 to claim the boy's 2009 age category. Grady McNish led the way offensively potting three goals for the Storm. Taylor Lockhart (2) and Tryp Klassen (1) also managed to find the back of the net. Carson Park (2) and Cole Laidlaw replied for the Cougars.