The Western Hockey League Board of Governors announced today (October 14) the WHL Regular Season is scheduled to open on Friday, January 8, 2021. Players will be reporting to their respective teams following the Christmas break, in anticipation of the start of the season. Regular Season games during the 2020-21 season will be played exclusively within the boundaries of each of the four Divisions: East Division consisting of the seven Saskatchewan and Manitoba-based teams Central Division consisting of the five Alberta-based teams B.C. Division consisting of the five B.C.-based teams U.S. Division consisting of the five teams located in Washington and Oregon The schedule of games in each of the four WHL Divisions will be announced at a later date. The league says a final determination has not yet been made as to whether spectators will be permitted to attend WHL games as this will be subject to the approval of the Health Authorities in each jurisdiction. The full release can be read here.

The Brandon AAA U18 Wheat Kings season kicks off on the road in Souris on Friday, October 16 against the Southwest Cougars. The team returns 11-players from last year's squad, including two 3rd year players in Deniz Ntelioglou (F) and Nolan Wallace (D). "Our D and goaltending should be strengths for us, we’re returning 4 D and both goalies from last season that should compete for best in the league" said head coach Curtis Brolund. "We have a great group of 2005’s entering the league in Carter Dittmer, Nolan Chastko and Calder Crossin as well as some 2004’s that had huge development years with U17’s last year in Callum Halls and Jackson Gudz" continued Brolund. "Everyone’s more than excited to get started, we are so privileged our league, province and communities found a way to safely return us to this great sport". With the league operating in 3 divisions, Brolund believes they will have to fight it out with 3 difficult teams (Southwest, Yellowhead and Parkland) in the West Division. "We expect the Winnipeg teams to as always be a tough challenge but need to put a focus on our rivals close to home" said Brolund. The roster can be found here.

Brandon, MB -- The Wheat City Whiskey Jacks of the Expedition League have named a new Head Coach to guide the team back onto Andrews Field for the 2021 Expedition League season. Robby Laughlin, a native of Keosauqua, Iowa, is the new Head Coach of the Wheat City Whiskey Jacks. He’s currently a member of the coaching staff for the Dawson College Buccaneers (NJACC) in Glendive, Montana. This summer, Robby coached collegiate summer baseball in the Corn Belt league in Nebraska. He was Head Coach of the Omaha Red Raiders, guiding them to an impressive 16-5 record in a Coronavirus shortened season. “Robby is a driven to win kind of guy, he’s a respected voice in the dugout and the clubhouse that our players and our fans will relate to” said Whiskey Jacks General Manager Ray Walker. On the announcement, Coach Laughlin was just as excited, “I’m so excited to come to Brandon and to the Expedition League, my mission is to develop the God-given talent of these young men that have a passion for the sport. At the same time, give Whiskey Jacks fans a team they’ll love to watch and cheer for as we compete for a championship” said Laughlin. Robby Laughlin played college baseball at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, where he was a 4-year lettered athlete. After he graduated Laughlin was asked to join the college’s coaching staff, while he worked in admissions. His coaching career has seen stops in; Montana, Nebraska, Iowa, South Carolina, Florida, and now Brandon, Manitoba, CANADA. Robby Laughlin currently resides in Glendive, Montana with his wife, Mariah.

Today proved to be a very exciting and memorable day for two local hockey products who both spent time in the Hockey Brandon program. Forward Tristen Robins was selected 56th overall (second round) in the 2020 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks. Robins had 33 goals, 40 assists last season in 62 games with the Saskatoon Blades. Robins' father, Trevor, was a goalie in the Sharks organization for several seasons in the 90's (1993-94 to 1995-96). Defensemen Daemon Hunt was selected in the 3rd round, 65th overall by the Minnesota Wild. Hunt picked up 15 points in 28 games this season with the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Two members (Braden Schneider, Ridly Greig) of the Brandon Wheat Kings were selected in the 1st round of the 2020 NHL Draft. Defenceman Braden Schneider was the first Wheat King to hear his name called as he was selected 19th overall by the New York Rangers. Schneider registered seven goals and 42 points in 60 games this past season and was named to the First All Star Team in the WHL’s Eastern Conference. The Ottava Senators then used the 28th overall pick to select Ridly Greig. Greig, a forward, amassed 60 points in 56 games this past season. Alexis Lafreniere (LW, Rimouski (QMJHL) was selected first overall by the New York Rangers. Rounds 2-7 of the draft will be held Wednesday, Oct. 7 beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET