Wheat Kings Navigate Season’s Ups and Downs Ahead of Key Matchup

The Brandon Wheat Kings face a challenging first quarter of their 2025-26 season, marked by dramatic swings in performance. The team, currently holding a record of 8 wins, 9 losses, and 1 overtime loss, prepares to take on the Medicine Hat Tigers, who sit with a record of 10-6-2-1, at Assiniboine Credit Union Place tonight at 18:00.

Head coach and general manager Marty Murray has described the season as a mix of excitement and frustration. “We lead the league in goals for per game, and a lot of our goals are almost highlight-reel goals,” he noted. Despite this offensive prowess, the Wheat Kings have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 4.72 goals per game, the worst in the league.

After a rocky start, with just two wins in their first nine games, the Wheat Kings managed to string together four consecutive victories. Since then, their performance has been inconsistent, alternating between wins and losses. They have defeated three teams above them in the standings while falling to three below them, a trend that has raised concerns within the organization.

The statistics paint a vivid picture: the Wheat Kings are averaging five goals per game, the highest in the league, but their goaltending has been a significant liability. Rookie forward Chase Surkan, who recently returned to the lineup after winning a gold medal with Team Canada at the U17 World Challenge, expressed the team’s frustration. “I think we’re second in the league in goals, and we’re below .500 right now, which shouldn’t be happening,” Surkan stated.

Murray emphasizes that the team needs to tighten their defensive play. Small mistakes, he explained, can lead to significant consequences. For instance, a recent game against the Red Deer Rebels highlighted this issue when a misplayed puck led to an easy goal. “If you let up half a second… those details are so important,” he affirmed.

Surkan’s return is a welcome boost for the Wheat Kings. In his absence, he accumulated valuable experience at the U17 World Challenge, where he recorded a goal and six assists. His presence on the ice, particularly during power plays, has been crucial, with ten of his twelve goals this season coming while the team has an advantage.

Looking ahead, the Wheat Kings are keen to build on their previous win against the Medicine Hat Tigers, where they triumphed 7-4. In that match, they showcased their offensive capabilities, scoring four goals in the third period despite being outshot 40-27. Goaltender Filip Ruzicka played a pivotal role, stopping 36 shots and making crucial saves when needed.

The upcoming game against the Tigers will be another test for the Wheat Kings, who must balance their high-scoring offense with a need for improved defensive discipline. Murray’s experience in the Hockey Canada system gives him insight into how young players can develop under pressure. “His confidence going into it would have been at an all-time high,” he said about Surkan’s recent achievements.

As the Wheat Kings continue to navigate this rollercoaster season, the focus remains on making the necessary adjustments to secure more consistent results. The team aims to harness their offensive potential while addressing defensive shortcomings. With the excitement building for tonight’s game, fans will be eager to see if the Wheat Kings can convert their high-scoring ability into a winning formula.