The Brandon Wheat Kings have named Don MacGillivray as the 24th Head Coach in the history of the Western Hockey League club. MacGillivray, who has spent the past four seasons in Brandon, has a wealth of coaching experience having served behind the bench in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) with the Portage Terriers, Neepawa Natives, St. James Canadiens and the Winnipeg Blues. MacGillivray has also spent two seasons as Head Coach with the Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) as well as three seasons at the helm of the University of Manitoba Bisons (CIS), where he was named Canada West Coach of the Year in 2008. Before joining the Wheat Kings in the fall of 2016, MacGillivray won championships with the Terriers in 2005 and again with the Blues in 2014 as Head Coach and General Manager. During his time in the MJHL he was named Coach of the Year four times (1995, 2005, 2012 and 2013). “I’m very excited about this opportunity and I’d like to thank the ownership and management of the Brandon Wheat Kings for entrusting me with this position,” said MacGillivray. “I’m honoured, and I’m also grateful for the opportunity that I had working with Dave Lowry last season and David Anning the seasons previous.” MacGillivray has worked with Wheat Kings General Manager, Darren Ritchie since he started with the team in 2016. “This is a great opportunity for Don, he deserves it as he will do a great job leading our players,” said Ritchie. “He has a wealth of experience in junior hockey and I look forward to working with him and our coaching staff moving forward”. The 2020-21 WHL regular season begins on January 8th with interdivisional play, as announced by WHL Commissioner Ron Robison in October. The Wheat Kings will compete in the East Division against the Winnipeg Ice, Regina Pats, Saskatoon Blades, Prince Albert Raiders and Swift Current Broncos.

Birdies for Brain Tumours recently donated a total of $1,050 to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. .⁣ ⁣Since 2012, this event has raised more than $234,050. Birdies for Brain Tumours was started to help raise awareness and funding for further brain tumour research.⁣ ⁣ Thanks to the sponsors, volunteers, participants, organizers, supporters, donors, friends, family, everyone that purchased golf vouchers and the team at Glen Lea Golf Course. The organizers are grateful for your continued support and generosity!⁣ ⁣ SAVE THE DATE!⁣ The 10th Annual Birdies for Brain Tumours Golf Tournament is scheduled for: Saturday, June 19, 2021 --Glen Lea Golf Courseat 12pm.⁣

Brandon's Natalie Williamson recently announced her commitment to attend school at, and play hockey with, the University of Regina Cougars in the fall of 2021. Williamson, who is in her third year with the Westman Wildcats, said one of the reasons she selected the University of Regina was due its closeness to home and how friendly everyone was. "The coach Sarah Hodges was super nice and easy to talk to, and helped me a lot through the process. The university seemed to me like a good fit and had a great hockey program as well as a great academic program" said Williamson. "I am also super grateful for all my coaches and teammates as they have helped me a lot on becoming a better athlete and person".  She plans to pursue a degree in Police Studies. Now a goaltender, she started playing hockey when she was 9 as a forward, and after her first year, her team needed a goalie, so she decided to try it out and really enjoyed it. She has played the position ever since. Last year she started 17 games for the Wildcats compiling an impressive 11-6 record with a 1.29 goals against average and a .942 save percentage. Her numbers were good enough to be named a 1st team all-star. Congratulations Natalie Williamson on committing to the University of Regina 2021-22 season. Good luck to you Nat #wildcatpride #neverbesatisfied. pic.twitter.com/0ZMXuISloS — Westman Wildcats (@westmanAAA) November 23, 2020 While this season was cut short due to Covid-19 sanctions, she managed to get 3 starts in league play. Williamson, who lists the New York Rangers and her favourite team and Henrik Lundqvist as her favourite player, went 3-0 in those games. As for what she is up to while play is suspended Williamson said "I am continuing to do workouts at home to stay physically ready, as well as working on my mental game so I am prepared for when we go back. I am also trying new things like learning to juggle".

The Head Coach of the Brandon Wheat Kings, Dave Lowry, has accepted a position with the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League. Lowry departs Brandon after one season with the club, leading the Wheat Kings to a 35-22-4-2 record during the shortened 2019-2020 Western Hockey League Regular Season. The Wheat Kings were in third place in the East Division and had already earned a playoff berth when the WHL season was paused and then ultimately cancelled. “We are extremely happy for Dave to be able to further his career with the Jets,” says Wheat Kings General Manager, Darren Ritchie. “Our group showed tremendous growth under Dave’s leadership and we wish him the best of luck in Winnipeg”. Lowry leaves the WHL with a head coaching record of 294 wins, 152 losses and 23 overtime losses over seven seasons with the Wheat Kings, Victoria Royals and Calgary Hitmen. He came to Brandon after spending two seasons as an assistant coach with the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings. “I’m grateful for my time in Brandon and I really believe I’m leaving a team that has a chance to win”, says Lowry. “I’m excited for the Wheat Kings franchise moving forward and I know with the players who are returning, they know how to win”. The Wheat Kings, who have 17 veteran players eligible to return, begin the 2020-21 WHL season on January 8, 2021. (Brandon Wheat Kings release)

Brandon's Devin Reinhardt was looking for a way to keep busy during during quarantine, so he developed a hockey/skate locker that would make a perfect Christmas gift for the athlete in your family. With covid restrictions being placed on most sports facilities in recent months, these lockers are a great area for your child/teenager/adult to get ready in their own space, prior to heading to the rink. In addition to being used for hockey, the lockers can be used for a variety of other sports including: baseball, basketball, soccer, and more. The units are priced at $250 a locker and would make a welcome addition to any garage, outdoor rink, rec room, or man cave. Each locker is 2 feet wide, 2 feet deep and 6 feet tall. Custom sizes are also available. To place an order, or for more information, please contact Devin at 204-402-0345.