<h2>Keeper signs a one-year deal with HK Poprad in Slovakia</h2>After spending his full career in North America, Cross Lake local Brady Keeper will make his first stop overseas for the coming 2024-25 hockey season.Keeper spent last season with the Montreal Canadiens' American Hockey League affiliate club, the Laval Rocket, on a two-way deal.&nbsp;The 28-year-old was an undrafted free agent signing by the Florida Panthers out of Maine University in 2019, and has played most of his career in the American League, only suiting up for two games in the big leagues.&nbsp;Prior to joining Maine at the age of 20, Keeper played four seasons in the MJHL for the OCN Blizzard (now Northern Blizzard), where he put up 133 points and a whopping 444 penalty minutes in just 161 games. In his collegiate career the 6-foot-2 blueliner put up 44 points and 146 penalty minutes in 73 games.Injuries have limited Keeper to 57 combined regular-season AHL games over the past three seasons, during which he’s spent time with both the Canadiens and Canucks organizations.He had a goal and three assists with 53 PIMs and was a +1 rating in 22 games for Laval last season.&nbsp;Keeper will be joining a Poprad team which had the best regular season record in the Slovak Extraliga last season.

Cross Lake’s Brady Keeper Inks One-Year Deal in Slovakia

<h2>Jets beat Penguins on bryan little night in winnipeg </h2>RECAP:The Winnipeg Jets took care of business against the Pittsburgh Penguins, by way of another lopsided victory.This one, however, didn't feel as lopsided as others. The Jets actually fell behind 2-0, before storming back with three-straight goals, en route to a 6-3 win over the Penguins.Sunday's game was dedicated to Bryan Little - the former Jets centreman whose career was cut short due to injury in 2019 - and the team honoured him with a stellar effort and home win.Improving to 5-0-0, Winnipeg remained atop the league as the lone team without a loss on the season.Mason Appleton, Kyle Connor, Adam Lowry, Nino Niederreiter, Vlad Namestnikov and Mark Scheifele each scored for the Jets, which saw 12 different players pick up a point on the night. Eric Comrie got the start in net and earned his first victory of the season with 39 saves on the 42 shots he faced. HIGHLIGHTS:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1848079038901797053">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1848079038901797053</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1848079286743560556">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1848079286743560556</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1848087381141864944">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1848087381141864944</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1848099543352786957">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1848099543352786957</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1848100116168597642">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1848100116168597642</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1848110488053273067">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1848110488053273067</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1848110900571472374">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1848110900571472374</a>PHOTOS:The extended photo library from Sunday's game vs. Pittsburgh is courtesy of Scott Stroh and James Carey Lauder:<img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc05895.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc06143.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc06034.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc06264.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc06442.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc06356.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc06409.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc06566.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc06517.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc06490.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc06483.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc06640.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc06699.jpg">QUOTEABLE:Eric Comrie on Winnipeg's ability to come back after falling behind.“We have a few guys who can score some goals, I guess. We have a lot of talent on this team. I see it every single day in practice. So, it makes us better. It’s awesome, always great where it doesn’t matter what the score is, we can always come back. We have a lot of talent on this team, and I’m super happy with it.”Scott Arniel on Bryan Little:“That was great. First time kind of doing it that way for the organization and having the guy in equipment skating out there. He was extremely nervous. It was unbelievable, a guy that’s played that long being nervous about the whole night that his wife and daughter could be here to celebrate with him. I thought it was a great tribute. And then we all saw him up in the suite there and speaking again and getting the ovation. That was great from our fans to be able to recognize him and I’m sure he’s pretty appreciative of it.”WHAT’S NEXT:The Winnipeg Jets now hit the road for a week, as they take on the St. Louis Blues, Seattle Kraken and Calgary Flames over the next week, before returning home to Canada Life Centre on Monday night in a test with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Game On Recap: Winnipeg Jets 6 Pittsburgh Penguins 3

<h2>Jets take care of business against lowly san jose</h2>RECAP:It was a night of firsts for the Winnipeg Jets from Canada Life Centre on Friday night. Nikolaj Ehlers (2), Cole Perfetti (2), Josh Morrissey, Neal Pionk and Vladislav Namestnikov each scored their first goals of the season, as the Jets piled on the offence in an 8-3 thumping of the San Jose Sharks.It wasn't close from the start.Winnipeg scored early and often, beating San Jose to loose pucks, the goal, the penalty box and on the scoreboard.Ehlers and Perfetti got two goals apiece, while linemate Namestnikov chipped in with one goal and three helpers, as the second line went on to produce 11 points in the Friday night affair.Connor Hellebuyck turned aside 19 of 22 shots, while Mackenzie Blackwood was pulled after five goals. Vitek Vanecek didn't fare much better, giving up three more goals to the Jets over the final two frames. The team returns to battle on Sunday afternoon in the Bryan Little honorary game against Pittsburgh. HIGHLIGHTS:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1847431858620957072">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1847431858620957072</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1847436545696932078">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1847436545696932078</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1847438184730231248">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1847438184730231248</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1847438281732215241">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1847438281732215241</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1847445832246690158">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1847445832246690158</a>PHOTOS:The extended photo library from Friday's game vs. San Jose is courtesy of Scott Stroh and James Carey Lauder:<img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc04269.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc04309.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc04525.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc04734.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc04681.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/_13i8650go.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/_13i1081go.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/_13i8967go.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc04886.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc04843.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc04859.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc04851.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/_13i1395go.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/_13i1476go.jpg">QUOTEABLE:Cole Perfetti on finally seeing the second line break free offensively:“Yeah, we knew that was eventually going to come. It didn’t come the first three games and we were struggling a little bit with that stuff. We talked about it as a line. We were pretty positive that we found a lot of success last year and we knew it was going to come. It just took a couple games and hopefully now the floodgates are open. I think that was a really good confidence game for our line.”Vladislav Namestnikov on his line bouncing back:“We just have to build on this game. The three games earlier, everything was just congested. We weren’t supporting each other. Everything changed. We were in the right spots, played to our structure, and it worked out for us.”WHAT’S NEXT:Winnipeg will host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday afternoon in a game dedicated to former Jets forward Bryan Little, who will sign a one-day contract to retire as a member of the only organization he ever played for. That game features a 2:00 PM central start time. It can be viewed on TSN.

Game On Recap: Winnipeg Jets 8 San Jose Sharks 3

<h2>Jets win another overtime game 2-1</h2>RECAP:The Winnipeg Jets thoroughly enjoy 2-1 overtime games. After narrowly coming from behind to beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 in overtime on Friday, they did the same thing on Sunday evening, also in downtown Winnipeg.However, this time, they didn't need to worry about the second and third periods, but rather gave up the goal and scored the game-tying strike all in the first period.After falling behind 1-0 early, the Jets hammered one home on a strong face-off play with just seconds remaining and an empty net in the first period. Adam Lowry won the draw back to Mark Scheifele, who scored his third-straight team goal, making it 1-1.Nothing happened in either the second or third periods - save for a holding the stick minor handed down on Wild defenceman Zach Bogosian, who previously spent time with the Jets.That setup 51 seconds of four-on-three power play time in overtime, to which Kyle Connor ripped home the game-winner, high, short side. The win improves Winnipeg's record a perfect 3-0-0 on the short season, thus far.HIGHLIGHTS:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1845587858452815973">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1845587858452815973</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1845593379578540118">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1845593379578540118</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1845597431305470018">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1845597431305470018</a>PHOTOS:The extended photo library from Sunday's game vs. Minnesota is courtesy of Scott Stroh and James Carey Lauder:<img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc03324.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc03311.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc03395.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc03505.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc03487.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc03406.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc03426.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc03633.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc03589.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc03636.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/_13i9466go.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc03495.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc03695.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/_13i2628go.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/_13i2813go.jpg">QUOTEABLE:Mark Scheifele on Kyle Connor and his game-winner:“He’s an amazing player. That shot was absolutely phenomenal. I am very thankful for KC, that’s for sure.Mark Scheifele on suiting up in his 800th career NHL game:“It’s obviously quite special. I am very honoured and blessed to have played in this league for this long. It’s a tremendous honour. I have been lucky and very thankful to Winnipeg for having me for this long. It’s very, very humbling. I am super honour to have been playing 800 games in the NHL.”WHAT’S NEXT:Winnipeg will remain at home for the next week, as they host the San Jose Sharks on Friday and Pittsburgh Penguins next Sunday, before taking off on a three-game road trip the following week.

Game On Recap: Winnipeg Jets 2 Minnesota Wild 1

<h2>Jets earn come-from-behind victory over Chicago</h2>For most of the Winnipeg Jets’ almost-sold-out home opener, it felt as if Wednesday night’s 6-0 win in Edmonton had taken place months ago.It seemed as if the team that was introduced to its adoring fans in another fuelled-by-passion-season-opening pre-game spectacular was only marginally interested in actually playing the hockey game.That is until late in the third period. Trailing 1-0 to the not-quite-ready-for-prime-time Chicago Blackhawks, the Jets’ team leader decided the home side was not going to lose.&nbsp;At the 18:56 mark of the third period, Mark Scheifele, the heart and soul of this Jets hockey club, dove at a loose puck in front of Chicago netminder Arvid Soderblom and swept it between the goaler’s legs to tie the score at 1-1. With that, the remaining 14,000 Jets’ faithful went berserk.&nbsp;In fact, it seemed as if the fans response to Scheifele’s tying goal fired up the Jets engine. Because just 38 seconds into overtime, Scheifele converted a perfect centering pass from Kyle Connor and easily beat Soderblom for the winning goal – a winning goal that just happened to be his third of the young season and the 300th of his outstanding career.In a game that the visiting Blackhawks were about to steal, Scheifele simply wouldn’t let it happen. Granted, to many along press row, the Jets weren’t deserving of their second win in as many games to start the 2024-25 season. However, those folks often forget that there are two teams on the ice and the Blackhawks, although young and probably not playoff ready, had just played a terrific defensive game to keep the Jets at bay.“We stuck to it, kept the pressure on and got one,” said Schiefele of his tying goal. “Our guys kept getting pucks to the net and I was just lucky enough to be right there and put her home.”In the first period, Connor Hellebuyck’s fourth-straight 20-minute segment of shutout goaltending was the highlight as the Jets outshot Chicago 7-6 in a sleepy 20 minutes of 0-0 dump and chase.In the second period, both teams had 11 shots on goal, but the Hawks scored the only goal as Ryan Donato beat Hellebuyck on the short side at 16:52. To his credit, the current Jennings and Vezina Trophy-holding Jets netminder went 96 minutes and 52 seconds before allowing a goal this season. That’s impressive.Sadly, after putting up a six-pack in Edmonton on Wednesday night, the Jets didn’t have much puck luck on Friday. Of course, to be fair to the Blackhawks, the Jets didn’t have many stellar scoring chances, either. At least, not until the dying minutes, when Hellebuyck skated to the bench and head coach Scott Arniel sent out his sixth attacker&nbsp;Down the stretch, the Jets outshot Chicago 6-0, and finally got the tying goal – not a pretty one, mind you, but a gutsy one – with 1:04 left on the clock.It might not have been a decisive victory, but it was a thriller. The fans definitely went home happy and quite frankly, the Jets “deserved” to win. They outshot Chicago 35-26 – 17-9 in the third period and overtime – and won 64 per cent of the faceoffs. They were the better team and absolutely full marks for a hard-earned win.“We started the game really well and had a lot of chances, but we didn’t score and stopped doing what we were doing,” said Nikolai Ehlers whose shot from a tough angle led to the rebound and loose puck that Scheifele banged home to tie the game. “They clogged up the middle really well and that led to a lot of turnovers and a lot of odd-man rushes for them. I think if we’d kept playing the way we did in the first 10 minutes, the game would have been a lot different. But that’s also a credit to them.”Sure, Gabriel Vilardi should have had four goals and Hellebuyck probably should have had another shutout, but the fact the team’s star scored twice and notched his 300th and the team’s all-star goaltender has now allowed only one goal in two games, suggests that no matter how things go for 60 minutes, this Jets team has the personnel and the heart to win.It could be a really fun season.The extended photo gallery from Friday's game is courtesy of Scott Stroh and James Carey Lauder:<img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc01871-2.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc02142.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc02220.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc02298.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc02331.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc02338.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc02288.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc02285.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc02370.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc02372.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc02404.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc02405.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/_13i5431go.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/_13i5387go.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/_13i5107go.jpg">

Game On Recap: Winnipeg Jets 2 Chicago Blackhawks 1 

<h2>Final cuts determined, Jets' roster mainly unchanged</h2>The Winnipeg Jets of 2024-25 will look rather similar to that of the team that started the 2023-24 season. Sure, there are a few new faces in new faces due to changed throughout last year's 82 games. But for the majority of folks, things won't look all that different from the outside. No, there were not any major, sweeping changes this offseason. There wasn't a big-name free agent acquisition... unless Eric Comrie does the trick for you. The Jets will have a new backup goaltender, as Laurent Brossoit chased the bag elsewhere, with Kaapo Kahkonen and Comrie battling for that role this year. On defence, 2024 trade deadline acquisition Colin Miller opted to stick around and re-signed with the Jets, while fellow add-ins Sean Monahan and Tyler Tofolli left via free agency.Cole Perfetti finally came to terms on a new two-year deal with the Jets, rightfully ending his hold-out and skated in the second half of training camp.Youngsters Brad Lambert, Nikita Chibrikov and Elias Salomonsson left a great impression on head coach Scott Arniel and GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, but were the team's three final cuts. Offseason additions Dylan Coghlan and Haydn Fleury will work for the final defensive spot, while Ville Heinola and Logan Stanley rest up on the team's injured reserve for the time being.Expected line combinations for Winnipeg's opening night battle with the Edmonton Oilers will look rather familiar to most:Connor-Scheifele-Vilardi&nbsp;Perfetti-Namestnikov-Ehlers&nbsp;Niederreiter-Lowry-Appleton&nbsp;Barron-Kupari-Iafallo/Gustafsson&nbsp;Morrissey-DeMelo&nbsp;Samberg-Pionk&nbsp;Fleury-Miller/Coghlan&nbsp;Hellebuyck&nbsp;Kahkonen/Comrie

Jets' Roster Set, To Begin Season Wednesday

<h2>Jets beat flames 5-2 on wednesday</h2>RECAP:The Winnipeg Jets took down the Calgary Flames 5-2 in a decisive home victory on Wednesday evening from Canada Life Centre. No, it wasn't all that decisive from the get-go. Actually, it was everything but.The Jets gave up the first goal, before rallying for two back-to-back strikes, before giving up yet another before 20 minutes had even ticked off the clock. Connor Hellebuyck had another disappointing period, adding to his rough start with 10 goals allowed through three full periods of preseason play.It took until the third period for either team to wake back up, with the home side coming out firing on all cylinders. The Jets got goals from Nino Niederreiter (his second of the game), Simon Lundmark and Kyle Connor in the third, as Hellebuyck shut the door on the Flames, while Winnipeg picked up its second win of the preseason, 5-2.HIGHLIGHTS:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1841637687607902268">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1841637687607902268</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1841638017011683397">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1841638017011683397</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1841662897971159386">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1841662897971159386</a>PHOTOS:The extended photo library from Wednesday's game vs. Calgary is courtesy of Scott Stroh and James Carey Lauder:<img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc00077.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc00083.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc00241.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc00202.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc09197.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc09246.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/_13i0920go.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc09298.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/_13i1046go.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/_13i1708go.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/_13i1347go.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/_13i1906go.jpg">QUOTEABLE:Nikolaj Ehlers on Nino Niederreiter's offence:“That is his office. He thrives in there. To get a guy like that going, that’s obviously exciting for us. He got two tonight.”Simon Lundmark on his goal:“It was great. Great pass from Lambo, so I was just trying to hit the net, and luckily enough it went in.”WHAT’S NEXT:Winnipeg will conclude its pre-season with another game against the Flames - this time from Calgary. It can be streamed live on the official Winnipeg Jets website on Friday night at 8:00 PM central time. After that, the regular season gets underway on Wednesday night.

Game On Recap: Winnipeg Jets 5 Calgary Flames 2 

<h2>WHERE ARE THEY NOW?</h2>The 2015-16 Brandon Wheat Kings are considered by most as one of the very best teams in franchise history. With this year's “Wheaties” putting in a bid for the 2026 Memorial Cup, it is a perfect time to look back at some of the most dominant teams in the Wheat Kings archives.&nbsp;This final edition of the Memorial Cup Throwback features a look at the roster makeup of the team, with reference to where the players are currently in their respective field. Take a trip down memory lane below:Where Are They Now: A look at where some of the best Wheat Kings players ended up&nbsp;Despite a disappointing tournament, 2015-16 was regarded as one of the most skilled teams in Wheat Kings history so let's look at where some of the best players from that squad ended up.No. 8 Jayce HawrylukCareer WHL Stats: GP: 232 G: 119 A: 159 PTS: 278Career NHL Stats: GP: 98 G: 12 A: 15 PTS: 27&nbsp;Hawryluk really hit his stride in his final season in Wheat CIty before turning pro. Drafted by Florida in the second round, he spent his first three pro seasons between the AHL and ECHL before playing 42 games with florida in 2018-19. He has also spent time with the Ottawa Senators and Vancouver Canucks but currently plays overseas in Czechia.&nbsp;No. 19 Nolan PatrickCareer WHL Stats: GP: 263 G: 92 A: 113 PTS: 205Career NHL Stats: GP: 222 G: 32 A: 45 PTS: 77The Wheat Kings legend is one of the biggest “what if’s” in NHL history. After Being drafted second overall by the Philadelphia Flyers, Patrick’s career has been full of unfortunate and long-lasting injuries. He was traded to Kelly McCrimmon’s Vegas Golden Knights for a fresh start in 2021-22 but hasn’t played since and was forced into a very youthful retirement due to his ongoing migraines.No. 17 John Quenneville&nbsp;Career WHL Stats: GP: 222 G: 80 A: 116 PTS: 196Career NHL Stats: GP: 42 G: 2 A: 3 PTS: 5John Quenneville was drafted in the first round in 2014, two picks before Hawryluk. He has spent time with the New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks but never could earn a full-time roster spot in the NHL. Quenneville is currently playing in Switzerland.&nbsp;No. 9 Ivan ProvorovCareer WHL Stats: GP: 122 G: 36 A: 98 PTS: 134Career NHL Stats: GP: 614 G: 70 A: 179 PTS: 249Provorov is the most successful player out of this Wheat Kings team, suiting up for over 600 NHL games. He has been a consistent 30-point defenseman for the majority of his career and was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets last season from the Flyers who drafted him 7th overall in the infamous 2015 NHL draft.No. 10 Kale Clague&nbsp;Career WHL Stats: GP: 195 G: 26 A: 141 PTS: 167Career NHL Stats: GP: 94 G: 2 A: 19 PTS: 21&nbsp;&nbsp;Kale Clague found great success even after the 2015-16 run in Brandon and was eventually traded to Moose Jaw to finish off his WHL career. He was drafted in the second round by the Los Angeles Kings and has spent his career between the AHL and NHL thus far.&nbsp;No. 33 Jordan Papirny&nbsp;Career WHL Stats: GP: 205 SV%: .907 GAA: 2.93Papirny has never suited up for an NHL game but it feels wrong to leave him off the list. He leads the WHL club in all time starts, minutes played, wins and shutouts and is one of the most memorable fan favorites. Papirny played in college for the University of Calgary before turning pro. He is now in the Vegas Golden Knights' organization.No. 1 Logan ThompsonCareer WHL Stats: GP: 122 SV%: .905&nbsp; GAA: 3.26Career NHL Stats: GP: 103 SV%: .912&nbsp; GAA: 2.67Logan Thompson was an undrafted free agent playing at Brock University before Kelly McCrimmon picked him up and gave him a chance in the Vegas organization. He worked his way up from the ECHL and has been a full time NHL netminder since 2021 even becoming an NHL Pacific Division All Star in 2023-23. Thompson was traded to Washington this past offseason._________________________________________________Game On's Jackson Bachewich has produced this five-part series set for release in advance of puck drop on the 2024-25 WHL season.This was the final part of Game On's Memorial Cup Throwback Series.See highlights and more on our Instagram (@Gameonmagmb)

MEMORIAL CUP THROWBACKS: Five-Part Series on the 2015-16 Brandon Wheat Kings  

<h2>Jets go down swinging in high-scoring loss</h2>It wasn't pretty, but it wasn't a complete disaster either. On Friday night, the Jets travelled to St. Paul for a preseason clash with the Minnesota Wild... It was probably best they just stayed home.A back-and-forth first period led to a 1-1 draw through 20 minutes. But it was in the second period where the Wild completely dominated the game as the Jets fell asleep and looked on.Sure, the Wild were a more veteran-looking bunch, but Winnipeg's staff of players including Alex Iafallo, Mason Appleton, Cole Perfetti, Neal Pionk, Colin Miller, Dylan Samberg and Connor Hellebuyck certainly had some years of experience to it.It just didn't go the Jets' way in that middle stanza. Despite scoring a goal to tie the game at twos just two minutes after Minnesota pulled ahead 2-1, Winnipeg kicked its collective feet up and stood pat as the Wild piled on not four or five, but six additional goals in the frame, concluding the second period with eight total goals - seven of which were scored in that 20-minute chunk.Hellebuyck's performance looked absolutely disastrous, as the reigning Vezina Trophy winner gave up eight goals on 29 shots faced.But the key part of what appeared to be an incredibly unexpected blowout was Winnipeg's response in the third period.With Minnesota opting to take its foot off the gas pedal, the Jets got three goals in the frame, as Nikita Chibrikov scored a power play goal in the early stages, before Brayden Yager and Morgan Barron pumped back-to-back shots past Marc-Andre Fleury.The 8-5 final looked a lot better on paper thanks to a reluctant third period effort. If it weren't for some hustle and a willingness to continue fighting, things could have easily turned even uglier than they were in the middle frame.Winnipeg will now have a few days to reset as its next exhibition contest doesn't come until next Wednesday. There will be at least one round of cuts between now and then, allowing a more distinct grouping of players vying for the final roster spots to form as the regular season fast approaches.Now 1-2-1 in preseason play, the Jets will close things out with a home-and-home against the Calgary Flames next week.

Jets Blown Away, But Keep Fighting in 8-5 Loss in Minnesota

<h2>Jets lay a beating on oilers in third preseason game</h2>RECAP:The Winnipeg Jets have got themselves into the win column. No, preseason games really don't mean much in the grand scheme of things, but at the end of the day, walking out of the rink with a 'W' certainly feels better than the other outcome.A strong opening period led the charge for a three-goal offensive explosion in the middle stanza.Through 40 minutes, the Jets held a 4-0 lead and a 27-13 advantage on the shot chart. Brad Lambert - who already had an assist on the night - picked up Winnipeg's fifth goal of the game on a third period power play. Defenceman Neal Pionk - who had a pretty goal of his own in the second period - earned his fourth point of the night as he added another helper on Lambert's tally. The Oilers eventually did find a goal on the night, but it was far too little, too late for Edmonton, which ended up dropping the game by way of a 6-1 final.HIGHLIGHTS:<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1839099121015124376">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1839099121015124376</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1839109446271905824">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1839109446271905824</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1839113626059145246">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1839113626059145246</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1839119374633795742">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1839119374633795742</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1839122833558954422">https://x.com/CBrooksie84/status/1839122833558954422</a>PHOTOS:The extended photo library from Wednesday's game vs. Edmonton is courtesy of Scott Stroh and James Carey Lauder:<img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc01274.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc01279.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc01272.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc01217.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc01235.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dsc01281.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/go_13i1512.jpg"><img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/go_13i1385.jpg">QUOTEABLE:Neal Pionk on his second period goal:"The blind squirrel finds the nut once in a while." Brad Lambert on getting into game action at the annual rookie tournament: “It was a bit of a head start, being able to play a few games there and get your feet under you. That was a main thing, just not have my first game happen at the main camp but get a few games under my belt there, which was a great. It was a lot of fun going there.”WHAT’S NEXT:The Jets hit the road for preseason game No. 4 against the Minnesota Wild on Friday night. Now 1-1-1 through three exhibition games, the Jets will likely dress a roster filled with 'bubble' players in need of a strong performance to help solidify their ranking as training camp wears on. Friday's game can be streamed live on the official website of the Winnipeg Jets.

Game On Recap: Winnipeg Jets 6 Edmonton Oilers 1

<h2>Jets Sign Perfetti to Two-Year Deal</h2>The Winnipeg Jets and 22-year-old forward Cole Perfetti have agreed on the terms surrounding a two-year contract. Perfetti, who was one of the league's final restricted free agents, did not get his wish of a long-term deal, but rather settled for a two-year contract of the 'bridge' variety, meaning he will look to prove his worth to Jets management over the next two seasons. The contract carries a $3.25 million annual average value, while the young forward will earn $3 million this year and $3.5 million in the 2025-26 season. Although beginning the 2023-24 season quite well, Perfetti's performance - and usage - dwindled over the course of the stretch run and playoffs last year. He was a healthy scratch quite often and actually sat out the team's first four postseason games, before finally drawing in for the final game of the playoffs.He put up 19 goals and another 19 assists, falling one goal short of a performance bonus on his entry-level contract, something certainly aided by former head coach Rick Bowness' favour towards older players. At one stretch, Perfetti had four goals in three games, while also putting up a five-game goal scoring streak earlier in the season. 2024-25 will certainly be a year of improvement for Winnipeg's 10th overall selection from 2020. He will look to rejoin teammates on Tuesday at training camp and hope to slot back into the team's second line centerman role for the season.

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