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

Brandon Wheat Kings fans in the Westman area can look forward to sale prices on items throughout the team store this week as the BWK Market opens in the Keystone Centre’s UCT Pavillion Thursday, October 1st. The market – featuring game-worn jerseys and equipment, clothing, collectibles, replica jerseys and more, will run until October 9th and will be open from 11am – 6pm Monday to Friday and 11am – 4pm on Saturday. The Market will feature dynamic pricing where fans can purchase 1 item for 10% off, 2 items for 20% off each item, 3 items for 25% off each item and 4 items for 35% off each item. Fans will also have an opportunity to purchase a piece of history as the Market includes game-worn jerseys for more than 50% off their original price from some of the most popular players in franchise history. It will also feature replica jerseys, men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, collectibles, hats and more. Fans can expect savings of up to 35% off brands like CCM, Brand 47, New Era, Under Armour and Bar Down exclusive to the Market as the team’s online store won’t be operating while the Market is on.

BDNMB.CA had a chance recently to sit down with Daemon Hunt, the highest ranked NHL Entry Draft Brandon / Western Manitoba prospect in this year's NHL entry Draft.  The 6 foot Moose Jaw Warriors defencemen has been ranked anywhere from 44th overall to 99th.  But at the end of the day so many great NHL players were never first round picks and for the very professional spoken Hunt you can tell he has amazing focus. BDNMB  - Tell us how much attention you put into the various draft rankings? Hunt - I spend really no time looking at the rankings, honestly I am not too concerned about them. BDNMB – What does your normal day to day training look like? Hunt  – During the week I work with Paul Thompson and work on lower and upper body for up to two hours a day...then we go to the track and do quick feet drills.  Plus, I also have several on ice sessions with Dave Lewis and played in the Wendy’s Summer League. BDNMB – Your mother is a fitness guru, and also meal planner, does she influence your training program? Hunt – When I was younger she trained me more, she really helped me with food and she makes great healthy meals. BDNMB – Your dad appears to be modest and humble around the rink, tell us a bit about your hockey growth and how your dad helped? Hunt - Well my dad loves the game and watching me play and develop he was never that crazy hockey dad and gave me time to get better.  My dad was always coaching up until midget and my parents sacrificed so much for where I have got to...the draft will be a reward for my family. BDNMB – This will be the unknown year, (when and if the season does start) does this effect you mentally at all? Hunt - it’s not easy not knowing and last year I was hurt and only played 27 games so mentally this isn’t easy but I am trying to learn the process and hope everything works out.. BDNMB – Do you have a skill that people don’t know about? Hunt – I love to draw and paint and would like to start a business designing clothes. BDNMB.CA wishes all the best to Daemon Hunt and the upcoming NHL draft on October 6th and 7th.