GDB #16 @ Brandon

Oil Kings(15 9-4-1-1) @ Brandon Wheat Kings(14 8-5-0-1)

The first instalment of the battle of the Kings is tonight in Brandon, Manitoba.  Both teams are coming off losses last night out.  Edmonton dropped a 4-1 decision in Regina while the Wheaties were downed 8-4 by Moose Jaw.  The Oil Kings played well in Regina, their lone goal was scored by Dyan Wruck in the third period.  The Kings outshot the Pats 40-27 but were shut down by Regina netminder Matt Hewitt who was the first star of the game.  

Meanwhile the Wheat Kings gave up five straight goals after opening the scoring at home against the Warriors.  Newly acquired goaltender Brandon Anderson gave up seven goals before being relieved by Corbin Boes.  The Wheat Kings have shuffled the deck early in the season acquiring Anderson from Lethbridge for goalie Liam Liston and defenceman Spencer Galbraith.  They have also picked up overager Darian Dziurzynski from Saskatoon.  

Players to watch: 

Edmonton: Klarc Wilson.  The Edmonton product is off to a solid campaign for the Oil Kings playing in a mostly third line role.  Wilson, a former Wheat King, has a couple goals and five points so far on the season.  Never one to shy away from a scarp he also has 27 PIMS on the year.  Wilson attended Winnipeg Jets camp this summer as a camp invite.

Brandon: Mark Stone.  Stone is looking like a draft steal for the Ottawa Senators. The 2010 sixth round pick put up 106 points last season for the Wheaties.  He has picked up right where he left off, leading the WHL in scoring with 30 points in 14 games.  Stone has at least a point in each game so far this season.  His 14 assists also leads the league.  Look for Stone to be a big part of Team Canada at the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships.

Last Year: The Oil Kings took three of four from the Wheat Kings including a 9-0 win at Westman Place.  They scored five goals in 1:55 in the second period in that game.  The Wheat Kings made a huge splash last season dealing Brayden Schenn to the Saskatoon Blades near the deadline.  It looked like the Wheaties were in next year mode, but they went on a tear, being one of the hottest teams in the league down the stretch.  They ended up sixth in the east and bowed out in the first round to the Medicine Hat Tigers in six games.

Leaders:

Goals- EDM- TJ Foster (7)

BRN- Mark Stone, Michael Ferland (10)

Points- EDM- Martin Gernat (17)

BRN- Stone (30)

Wins- EDM- Laurent Brossoit (8)
BRN- Corbin Boes, Brandon Anderson (4)

PIMS- EDM- Mason Geertsen (32)
BRN- Ryley Miller (38)

Drafted:

EDM- Mark Pysyk-Buffalo Sabres (1st Round, 2010), Kristians Pelss- Edmonton Oilers (7th, 2010), Keegan Lowe- Carolina Hurricanes (3rd, 2011), Travis Ewanyk- Oilers (3rd, 2011), Michael St. Croix- New York Rangers (4th, 2011), Martin Gernat- Oilers (5th, 2011), Laurent Brossoit- Calgary Flames (6th, 2011)

BRN- Michael Ferland- Flames (5th round, 2010), Mark Stone- Ottawa Senators (6th, 2010), Jordan Fransoo- Senators (7th, 2011)

Notes:  Oil Kings defenceman Martin Gernat is tied for 16th in WHL scoring with 17 points.  He and Brandon's Ryan Pulock are tied for the scoring lead amongst defencemen.  Mark Stone leads the league in scoring and in the midst of a 14 game point streak. For Edmonton Michael St. Croix (3-9-12) has an eight game streak. The Wheat Kings are looking for franchise victory number 1500 here tonight.  A late lineup change may see Cody Corbett draw into his first WHL game.  Pregame show at 6:15, the puck drops at 6:30 on the Team 1260.