The rumors have been confirmed and the Wheat Kings will lose another valuable member of their team. It had been reported late Friday night, in some media circles, that Director of Scouting Wade Klippenstein had accepted a job with a western conference team of the NHL. The post first appeared on Dean Millard's Twitter account where he posted “Brandon Wheat Kings will also lose Head Scout Wade Klippenstein as he's taken an NHL job with a western conference team. #Vegas??? “. Millard works for TSN 1260 in Edmonton where is the a co-host of the Pipeline Show which weekly does an in-depth examination of the top hockey prospects coming down the pipe.
Following Millard's post Greg Drinnan, who runs the popular WHL blog site, Taking Note, reported Klippenstein had accepted a job with the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL. According to Drinnan's report Klippenstein is slated to serve as a western scout for the Avalanche. Klippenstein has extensive experience in Western Canada having been with the Wheat Kings for the past 3 years as well as previous stops in Prince George, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, and Moose Jaw. Even though he is changing jobs, and leagues, Klippenstein will not have to relocate something he was very grateful for. "I'm very fortunate to not have to relocate with this job change" said Klippenstein. 'The ability to allow my family to remain in our community (Coaldale) was a big factor in our decision" he continued.
As the Wheat King's Director of Scoutng he would have played a key role in drafting current Wheat Kings Caiden Daley, Steilio Mattheos, Ty Lewis and Nolan Patrcik as well as prospects Rylan Bettans and Braden Schneider.
“ I wasn't searching for other opportunities, but was very grateful for what had transpired” Klippenstein told bdnmb.ca. He went on to say "I don't think anyone is surprised when there is movement in Jr. hockey. The WHL is proven development for not only players but also staff."
