Brandon Wheat Kings Launch New Era with Training Camp

As the Brandon Wheat Kings prepare to kick off their training camp on September 7, 2023, the Western Hockey League team enters a pivotal season marked by significant roster changes. The club recently faced challenges following the NCAA’s decision to allow major junior players to join college teams, resulting in the departure of key players such as Roger McQueen, Quinn Mantei, and Matteo Michels.

New Challenges Ahead for Coaching Staff

Head coach and general manager Marty Murray acknowledges the hurdles ahead, noting that the predictability of past seasons is now a thing of the past. “It’s a challenge for sure,” Murray commented. “Those colleges now have free rein for our guys. When you lose essential players late in the summer, it complicates planning.” With eight goalies, 27 defencemen, and 42 forwards registered for camp, the roster is subject to change until the last minute.

The players will be divided into four teams, each named after legendary figures in Wheat Kings history: Mark Johnston, Brad McCrimmon, Don Dietrich, and Al MacPherson. Most sessions will take place at Westoba Place, which is now officially known as Assiniboine Credit Union Place.

This year’s draft class sees some absences, including Tristan Will from Minnesota and Alex Letourneau, who was involved in a significant trade. Despite these challenges, Murray is eager to see the team in action. “It’s always fun to get on the ice and get it going,” he said. “I’m excited to see our veterans take strides and our young guys prove they belong.”

Emphasis on Competitive Spirit

Returning players include only eight forwards and five defencemen, with no goalies coming back from last year’s squad that was eliminated in the Eastern Conference quarterfinals. The Wheat Kings finished the previous season with a record of 38-23-4-3.

Murray emphasized the importance of commitment, stating, “Kids are pretty committed nowadays. They understand it takes a year-round effort.” With only 13 returning players, there is ample opportunity for newcomers to secure a spot on the team. “The internal competition never stops,” he added. “We want a pro mentality where guys come to work every day and push each other.”

Among the players vying for a role are Kam Thomas and Max Lavoie, both 19 and joining from the Winkler Flyers. Additionally, Ryan Boyce, a 17-year-old 2023 draftee, and the Gleasman brothers, Gunnar and Axel, are also making their case for inclusion on the roster. Murray expressed enthusiasm about observing how players rise to the occasion during this competitive camp.

The addition of international players has introduced some complexities. For instance, while Adam Hlinsky from the Czech Republic has arrived, the status of Samu Alalauri, a Swedish defenceman, remains uncertain. Alalauri is expected to start the season in Sweden, and the team anticipates potentially acquiring him during the season.

Murray is also dealing with the situation surrounding Filip Ruzicka, a Czech goalie whose transfer is currently pending due to issues with his home club. “We’re in an appeal process, and his agent is optimistic,” Murray noted regarding the ongoing negotiations.

As part of the team’s future planning, the Wheat Kings will carry three import players, a shift from the previous two-player limit. This change offers greater flexibility in managing international talent.

Looking ahead, six Wheat Kings will attend professional camps next month, including recent NHL draftees Carter Klippenstein and Brady Turko, along with free agents Caleb Hadland, Jayden Kraus, Luke Mistelbacher, and Grayson Burzynski. Murray is eager to shift focus to the players present at camp, stating, “I want to turn the page and talk about who is here. We feel like we have a real deep group and a great opportunity for some guys to step up.”

As the Wheat Kings embark on this new chapter, the excitement and anticipation within the organization are palpable. With the training camp now underway, the team is poised to redefine its identity and seize opportunities in the upcoming season.