Brandon Wheat Kings Media Release
Brandon, MB. – In celebration of the hockey club’s 50th Anniversary in the Western Hockey League, the Brandon Wheat Kings are excited to announce plans for their third and final Special Theme Jersey Night of the 2016-17 campaign.
The defending WHL champions, in association with the Brandon Rotary Club Westman Foundation, have announced that on Friday, March 3rd against Calgary, the Wheat Kings will be taking to the ice wearing one of their most popular jerseys in franchise history.
The jerseys, which were worn at the turn of the Century by such stars as Ryan Craig, Tim Konsorada and Lance Monych, will be auctioned off throughout the game in support of the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex. During these years, the Wheat Kings captured back to back Eastern Division pennants and wound up losing to Red Deer in the Conference Final.
The primary color of the March 3rd jersey will be black with the distinctive gold wheat sheaves dominating both arms and trim.
In addition to the auction, fans attending the March 3rd game will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win a number 22 jersey, featuring the name bar of current Chicago Blackhawk right-winger Jordin Tootoo.
“We want to thank both the Wheat Kings and the Rotary Club of Brandon for their ongoing support of our project,” says Committee Member Brett Turner. “All of the new diamonds on our new facility will be in use this summer and everyone’s support of this jersey auction takes us closer to building the next phase of our project.”
Fans can place a reserve bid in advance of Friday’s game by calling (204) 725-1909.
Friday’s game will be the third Theme Jersey night to be hosted by the Wheat Kings this season. Earlier this year, the hockey club wore special theme jerseys and helped to raise over $30,000 in donations for Brandon and District United Way and Westman Dreams for Kids Foundation.
While proceeds of the jersey auction will be going to Softball Complex, located north of McGregor Avenue in Brandon, this game has been made possible through the support of the local Rotary club and Spokesman Allan Little says that serving the community is what they’re all about.
“The Rotary Club of Brandon and the Rotary Club Westman Foundation are proud supporters of this complex,” says Little. “The total rotary commitment to this project is $100,000 over five years. We are pleased to report that we are ahead of schedule on our commitment.”
“We’re also honoured to be a part of the Wheat Kings’ 50th Anniversary season,” he went on to say.
“Of the many jerseys worn by the Wheat Kings in the past fifty years, this one has to be among my favorites,” says Wheat Kings’ Director of Business Operations and Sponsorship Rick Dillabough. “Thanks to the local Rotary Club, our fans will have the chance to look back and remember when guys like Tootoo, Craig and Konsorada were leading the Wheat Kings.”
“Helping to raise proceeds for an exciting project like the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex is an added bonus to be sure,” he went on to say.
For more information on Friday’s plans, you can email ashleyneufcomplex@live.ca.
Over $40,000 was generated during last year’s theme jersey auctions, benefiting the United Way and Canadian Cancer Society.
On the ice, the Wheat Kings close out a 4-game road trip Tuesday night in Swift Current, before returning home to host Lethbridge on Wednesday.
Tickets to all remaining home games in March, including Friday’s against the Hitmen, are on sale now at the Keystone Centre box office. Fans can also order online at keystonecentre.com or by calling (204) 726-3555.
ABOUT THE ASHLEY NEUFELD SOFTBALL COMPLEX: The Westman Softball Association along with the Westman Adult Orthodox Leagues, Brandon Slo-Pitch League and the Westman Old-Timers have undertaken a project to build a new softball facility in the City of Brandon. This project will address the growing need for ball diamonds in the city, replace facilities recently lost, provide safe playing conditions, provide a venue to host tournaments, Provincial, Western and National championships as well as increase economic benefits for the community through additional softball events.
ABOUT BRANDON ROTARY CLUB WESTMAN FOUNDATION INC.: Provide funding to registered charities and other not for profit organizations, in support of youth, health and humanitarian causes. Receipt of funds to grow the foundation from the parent organization and other interested parties.
