<h2>With or without top line centre, Jets need big response vs. Anaheim</h2>On Wednesday evening, the Winnipeg Jets followed up another second shutout win with yet another lopsided loss.Having beaten Seattle 3-0 last Friday, the Jets fell 5-0 at the hands of the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday. That pattern continued throughout the week, as the Jets won again - by virtue of shutout - over the Washington Capitals on Monday, before being heavily outplayed on Wednesday to the red-hot Nashville Predators. No, the Jets did not have top line centreman Mark Scheifele or regular running mate Gabe Vilardi at their disposal, the team did have newly acquired Tyler Toffoli and Sean Monahan filling in a regular rotation on forward.Things just didn't go well on Wednesday, and both the players and coaching staff know it.Unlike that of Vilardi - who has missed action since late-February with an upper-body injury and has now been held out of the lineup 27 times due to injury this year - Scheifele's absence was illness-related. He did not attend Jets' practice on Thursday, but according to head coach Rick Bowness, he is feeling better. The hope is that he shows up on Friday ready to play, all flu-like symptoms put aside.“When he's not there, that's when you need your other players to not try to replace him, but to make sure that they're bringing the best version of themselves," Bowness said. "When Mark's not there and we don't get the best version of the other players, then it looks like it did last night."Wednesday was not pretty, but the Jets will look for a do-over against a weak Anaheim Ducks team that is currently sitting third-last in the league.That game concludes the team's three-game homestand and sends Winnipeg out on the road for five-straight beginning on Sunday. Puck drop at Canada Life Centre on Friday is set for 7:00 PM central time, while the game can be viewed live on TSN.

Jets to Face Ducks With or Without Scheifele

<h2>Franko is Speedy Creek Bound</h2>It took very little time for Zach Franko to turn the ship in St. Boniface with the Riels. In two short years, Franko’s accomplishments earned him a call from the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos, which he has since joined as an assistant coach.“He’s competitive, he’s likeable, he will get the best out of a player,” said Jason Frykas, president of the Riels. “He wants to win, and it’s not a negative way of how he shows it.”When Franko took over as head coach of the Riels in 2022, the team had just posted their second-worst win total in team history—finishing dead last in the MMJHL with a 6-36-3 record.In Franko’s first season as head coach, the Riels nearly tripled their win totals from the previous season, making the playoffs where they would lose to the MMJHL powerhouse St. James Canucks in the first round.“The next year, (Franko) wanted to be the GM,” said Frykas. “He excelled; the players loved him.”In Franko’s first year as both head coach and GM, the Riels finished with a record of 24-17-2 – their best season since winning the Jack Mackenzie Trophy – the MMJHL’s championship - in 2014-15.It wasn’t long before Swift Current came calling—sending Franko on his way to the WHL.“I will forever be grateful for my time with the Riels,” said Franko. “I would like to thank the Frykas family, my assistant coaches Tyler Moore, Sean Christensen and Benji Micflikier, trainers and equipment managers and most importantly the players. They have helped put this team in championship contention for years to come and really have helped propel my coaching career. I wouldn’t have got this opportunity without the help from everyone in the St. Boniface Riels organization.”So, where does this leave the Riels after their best season in nine years?The Riels hired Paul Kastes as their next head coach. Kastes is currently the head coach of the U23 men’s Canadian Ball Hockey Team, boasting four years of MMJHL experience as an assistant coach with the St. Vital Junior Victorias.Assistant coaches Christensen and Moore will return, with Moore also accepting the role of GM this season.“I'm very excited to and honoured to be thought of for this position,” said Kastes. “I am coming into a great group and great culture that was set by the previous staff and I am excited to help get this group over the hump and back to competing for a championship.”

Levelling Up - Riels Head Coach and GM Zach Franko Makes Jump to the WHL

<h2>2016 Playoff Run</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 edition of the Memorial Cup Throwback features a look at the first three rounds of Brandon's run to the Memorial Cup. Take a trip down memory lane below:Round 1 vs. EdmontonThe Brandon Wheat Kings' playoffs opened up with a Round 1 rematch from the year before against the Edmonton Oil Kings. The No. 8 seed Oil Kings came into Brandon and stole the first two games of the series, shocking fans and leaving the Wheat Kings looking for answers.&nbsp;After two greasy playoff-styled games the Wheat Kings took over. Four-straight wins - three of them on the road - sent Brandon on to face the Moose Jaw Warriors in Round 2.GM 1 &nbsp;Edmonton Oil Kings &nbsp; 4 - 2&nbsp; at Brandon Wheat KingsGM 2 &nbsp;Edmonton Oil Kings &nbsp; 2 - 1&nbsp; at Brandon Wheat KingsGM 3 Brandon Wheat Kings &nbsp; 3 - 1&nbsp; at Edmonton Oil KingsGM 4 Brandon Wheat Kings &nbsp; 5 - 0&nbsp; at Edmonton Oil KingsGM 5&nbsp; Brandon Wheat Kings &nbsp; 5 - 2&nbsp; at Edmonton Oil KingsGM 6&nbsp; Edmonton Oil Kings &nbsp; 3 - 10&nbsp; at Brandon Wheat Kings&nbsp;Round 2 vs. Moose JawBrandon took care of Moose Jaw rather easily and sent them packing in just five games. On their toes from the slow start in Round 1, the Wheat Kings did not wait to pounce on a skilled Moose Jaw team led by Brayden Point.&nbsp;An early game-tying goal by John Quenneville in the third period of Game 1 seemed to give the Wheat Kings a boost, as Tanner Kaspick scored the game-winner a few moments later. The Wheat Kings carried their momentum into Game 2 at Westman Place and took care of business with a 5-2 win.Heading to Moose Jaw, Wheat Kings fans were confident, but the duo of Jayden Halbgewachs and Tanner Jeannot combined for four goals in a convincing 7-1 victory in front of the Warriors' home crowd. But just like the regular season, the Wheat Kings thrived after being blown out, outsourcing the Warriors 13-5 in the final two games with the Tim MaGauly-John Quenneville-Reid Duke line taking charge with more than half of the 13 goals.&nbsp;GM 1&nbsp; &nbsp; Moose Jaw Warriors &nbsp; 3 - 5&nbsp; at Brandon Wheat KingsGM 2&nbsp; &nbsp; Moose Jaw Warriors &nbsp; 2 - 5&nbsp; at Brandon Wheat KingsGM 3&nbsp; &nbsp; Brandon Wheat Kings&nbsp; 1 - 7&nbsp; at Moose Jaw WarriorsGM 4&nbsp; &nbsp; Brandon Wheat Kings&nbsp; 6 - 2&nbsp; at Moose Jaw WarriorsGM 5&nbsp; &nbsp; Moose Jaw Warriors &nbsp; 3 - 7&nbsp; at Brandon Wheat KingsRound 3 vs Red Deer&nbsp;&nbsp;Red Deer gave Brandon its biggest test through the entire playoff despite losing in five games. Red Deer was all-in as the host of the 2016 Memorial Cup and the team led by Jake DeBrusk and Haydn Fleury never backed down throughout those five games.&nbsp;&nbsp;After a tight Game 1 where Jordan Papirny was the hero with some huge saves, Brandon won its sixth-straight playoff home game in Game 2. Back in Red Deer it was the same storyline as the previous round, as Red Deer handed Brandon a huge 6-2 loss on the backs of six different goal scorers.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Wheat Kings seemed to follow the same pattern throughout the whole year; win a couple games, get blown out, and then take care of business. In Games 4 and 5 they did just that, outshooting the Rebels 9-2 with Nolan Patrick having seven points in those two games, and now for the second season in a row Brandon found itself in the finals.GM 1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Red Deer Rebels &nbsp; 3 - 4&nbsp; at Brandon Wheat Kings&nbsp; OTGM 2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Red Deer Rebels &nbsp; 4 - 6&nbsp; at Brandon Wheat KingsGM 3&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Brandon Wheat Kings &nbsp; 2 - 6&nbsp; at Red Deer RebelsGM 4&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Brandon Wheat Kings &nbsp; 4 - 2&nbsp; at Red Deer RebelsGM 5&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Red Deer Rebels &nbsp; 2 - 5&nbsp; at Brandon Wheat Kings_________________________________________________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. The remaining pieces will be revealed in the coming weeks.Stay tuned for the next two stories released in Game On's Memorial Cup Throwback Series.

MEMORIAL CUP THROWBACKS: A 5 Part Series on the 2015-16 Brandon Wheat Kings  

<h2>Jarvis to Make $7.9 annually for the next eight years</h2>Winnipeg's top NHL player, Seth Jarvis, has just put pen to paper on a massive eight-year, $63.2 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes.One of the Hurricanes' best players, the 22-year-old had a career year in the final season of his NHL rookie contract, as he put up 34 goals and 67 points on the season - which were both career-highs. The former Assiniboine Park Rangers star re-signed in Carolina on an eight-year contract, to which he will be paid $7.9 million each year through the 2030-31 season. "Seth is a cornerstone player for our franchise,” Hurricanes' GM Eric Tulsky said. “He took another huge step last season, playing in all situations and displaying the skill and competitive drive that will make him a star in this league in the years to come.”Jarvis, who spent his developmental years with the RINK, has earned his keep on a talented Hurricanes squad that has dominated competition for the better part of his career. The Winnipegger finished second in goals and points on Carolina last year, while setting new career-highs in nearly every statistical category. He is the third member of the 2020 NHL Draft class to put up a 30-goal season, joining Tim Stutzle and Lucas Raymond. Jarvis also led Carolina offensively in the postseason, to which he scored five times and added four assists for nine points in the Hurricanes' 11 playoff contests. He ranked first in goals, power-play points and power play goals in the postseason. Taken 13th overall in 2020, the former Portland Winterhawk has 64 goals and 146 points in 231 career regular season NHL contests. He also has a silver medal to his name from the 2019 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup.

Seth Jarvis - Winnipeg's Top NHL Player - Just Got Paid

<h2>Gaudreau brothers the victim of HEINOUS motor vehicle collision</h2>A crippling Thursday night rumour soon became reality on Friday morning when it was confirmed that brothers John (Johnny) and Matthew (Matty) Gaudreau were victims of a fatal collision in the evening hours on Thursday in New Jersey.The Gaudreau brothers were cycling in Salem County when they were struck by a vehicle.New Jersey State Police say a man driving in the same direction attempted to pass two slower vehicles on the right hand side, after the two vehicles moved over to the left, allegedly making room for the cyclists - striking them both from behind. Both Johnny and Matty were pronounced dead at the scene.Police identified the driver as Sean M. Higgins, who was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time. Higgins has been charged with two counts of Death by Automobile. He is currently held up in the Salem County Correctional Facility.The brothers were in their home state of New Jersey to celebrate their sister’s wedding, which was set for Friday in Philadelphia, where they were scheduled to be groomsmen.“Johnny Hockey” spent 11 years in the NHL, nine with the Calgary Flames, and two with Columbus. He was a six-time 20-goal-scorer, eclipsing 60 points in eight of his 11 seasons."He was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path," said commissioner Gary Bettman in a statement released by the NHL.Johnny leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and two young children—his daughter, Noa, and son, Johnny Jr.“Completely gutted. The world just lost one of the best,” said Flames forward and former teammate Blake Coleman on X. “RIP Johnny.”Former Calgary Flames General Manager Brian Burke also took to X to reflect on Gaudreau’s time in Calgary. “What I will remember most was his happiness, enthusiasm, and kindness that radiated out through the locker room every day,” said Burke.Matty Gaudreau played for Boston College in the NCAA, following his brother’s footsteps. He spent time in the AHL with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Stockton Heat—most recently playing in the ECHL with the Worcester Railers. He spent the last two years as the head coach of Gloucester Catholic High School in Gloucester City, New Jersey—where the two brothers played in high school.The Columbus Blue Jackets released a statement on X Friday morning, calling the event an “Unimaginable tragedy”.“The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the inedible impression he made on everyone who knew him,” the Blue Jackets said in their statement."Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers ... two friends, but truly two amazing humans," said uncle Jim Gaudreau in a family statement released Friday afternoon."We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages and love and support. We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued privacy during this very difficult period of grief."Johnny was 31, Matty was 29.

“Unimaginable Tragedy” - Johnny and Matty Gaudreau Killed in Cycling Accident

<h2>Jets fan fest to return on September 21</h2>The Winnipeg Jets have announced the return of the annual Fan Fest celebration this fall. As training camp kicks off, Jets and Manitoba Moose fans will have the opportunity to view the team in an up-close and personal way.Held at hockey for all centre from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, tickets for the event will be free to all wishing to attend the event. There will be a limit of eight tickets per online order. Tickets will be made available on Wednesday, August 28 at 10:00 AM via <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cfhem5pab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uUajs5C13n7R6PtnGnJeRU1C5Z8Tyv7XAVeTe_-iUdRXIwMzLNLfprOLghsetR9CoQwmaNZAvBpWoKrdsaXNSqstfEOc6UyW65jn8D7jng3DNOKc_nXjBRuIVGpS5zeO3QdE_RwpJKP3p8yoIRtBzDa1XVDO-0eOjhsL1zwkoTS545zlrbTYog==&amp;c=gq16Ut7AGVD4l0IxdWnqaH2eWdbyxw_n_GV5xHi4REzOgSl7667ILg==&amp;ch=UAg4Acw0aj6tqtpmxZ5YYbpnoqQHkUCZ55VxPdsNAMX4485cpiKMdg==">winnipegjets.com/fanfest</a>.As always, Fan Fest will be happening alongside training camp, where all Jets and Moose hopefuls will be in attendance, participating in on and off-ice testing, training and team building activities from hockey for all centre. Fans will be given the opportunity to watch one of the three on-ice training camp sessions during the day on Saturday. Tickets will not guarantee fans seating, so fans are encouraged to line up outside the rinks for the first-come, first-served seating. Select players will be interviewed on-stage prior to and after training sessions, while various other stations will be available for fans to participate interactively. Autograph sessions, mascot time, an outdoor ball hockey game and an NHL 24 tournament will all take place. Jets memorabilia, food and beverages will be available for purchase at a discounted rate on site.

Winnipeg Jets Fan Fest Set for September 21

<h2>Head to toe depth</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;In that season, the Wheat Kings were probably the deepest team in the WHL. From top to bottom there was production, whether that was points, physicality, defense, or anything else the team needed. The Wheaties went through the year with the same lines every night with a few changes due to injury or IIHF/Team Canada camps.&nbsp;Line 1Nolan Patrick - Jayce Hawryluk - Tyler CoulterThree absolute workhorses on one line turned out to be a great decision by McCrimmon. Hawryluk and Patrick had a newfound connection we have not seen since both putting up over 100 points. Hawryluk was never afraid to get into the dirty areas despite his smaller frame, while Patrick heading into Year 2 was a big body and the skill guy on the top line. Coulter rounded it out with his big frame and feistiness.&nbsp;Line 2Tim McGauley - John Quenneville - Reid DukeThe Wheaties' second line was arguably better than most teams' first over the course of the year. All three were some of the best two-way forwards in the league, but all had their own distinct playing styles. Quenneville had one of the best shots in the WHL. Pair that with both of Duke and MaGauley’s setup skills and you have the best second line in the Western Hockey league. All three also played instrumental roles on the penalty kill.Line 3Tanner Kaspick with Duncan Campbell and Stelio Mattheos.The third line featured three Manitoba products. The trio wasn't expected to go out and put-up big points, but rather shut down the other team’s top guns and tire them out on a nightly basis. After being a little underappreciated through the regular season, their game really shined in the playoffs and was a huge factor in getting Brandon over the hump.Line 4Connor Gutenberg - Ty Lewis - Linden McCorristerThe last three were another energy/hard to play against line that featured three Manitobans. They were considered one of the toughest lines to play against in the WHL, but also could surprise you at any moment with the skill and speed they all had.&nbsp;Defense Pairing 1Ivan Provorov - Macoy ErkampsBy Game 1 of the season, Provorov and Erkamps had unbelievable chemistry and were one of the best shut down and offensive pairings in the league. Two puck movers together means the puck gets out of your end and into the other teams very often, and that's exactly what happened when these two were on the ice. Erkamps brought the gritty side of the pair earlier in the season, but it rubbed off on Provorov as he learned to be just as good of a wrecking ball.&nbsp;Defense Pairing 2Kale Clague - Mitch WheatonClague took a huge step from his first season in the WHL where he only played 20 games. Pair his offensive mind with Wheaton's defense and once again you have a great pairing. Clague was able to rely on Wheaton to help with any mistakes he made because Wheaton was that good at the “defense” part of “defenseman.” Wheaton let Clague create plays with his extremely creative offensive mind while pitching in the odd point here and there.&nbsp;Defense Pairing 3&nbsp;James Shearer - Jordan ThomsonThis is your typical shut down third pairing. Shearer was brought in from the Steinbach Pistons early in the season to fill a much-needed defensive role at the time. Shortly after the Wheat Kings acquired Thomson from the Swift Current Broncos to solidify the third pair.Goaltending Tandem&nbsp;Jordan Papirny - Logan Thompson&nbsp;Papirny is the definition of consistency. Through his four full seasons in Wheat City, he never had a save percentage below .900, something very impressive for a junior goalie. Papirny is also first or second in almost every major goaltending statistic in franchise history. Behind him was now NHL all-star Logan Thompson. Thompson didn't get into many games in 2015/16 but was solid when he did.&nbsp;The Wheat Kings were still in a great spot after Provorov, Mattheos, Quenneville and Hawryluk all returned from their respective junior tournaments but started the second half of the year with a 10-0 loss to Red Deer without their star players.&nbsp;After the loss to the Memorial Cup hosts, the Wheat Kings woke up and won 25 of their last 33 games heading into the playoffs. The biggest reason for the success was Hawryluk after returning from a five-game suspension. He had 71 points through this span of games driving the line of himself, Patrick and Coulter.The Wheat Kings finished the regular season with a 48-18-4-2 record and 102 points, only four away from the league-leading Victoria Royals.&nbsp;_________________________________________________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. The remaining pieces will be revealed in the coming weeks.Stay tuned for the next three stories released in Game On's Memorial Cup Throwback Series.

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

<h2>Downtown statue spray painted and promptly cleaned up</h2>The downtown Winnipeg statue in recognition and honour of the late Dale Hawerchuk faced vandalism over the weekend.Despite local enforcement and the Downtown Community Safety Partnership populated heavily in the area, the perpetrator was not apprehended. Local CCTV footage may or may not have already been reviewed for the sake of the investigation.According to a post by Darryl McMullin in an online Jets fan Facebook group on Sunday morning, the graffiti incident appears to have occurred at some point on Saturday.By Sunday afternoon, the vandalism had been cleaned off the statue, with little indication that any wrongdoing had been done - other than the photographed proof.<img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/screen-shot-2024-08-26-at-14.03.21.png">The statue was erected on October 1, 2022 in a special ceremony prior to puck drop of a preseason Jets game following the death of the local hockey hero. It stands in True North Square Plaza at the intersection of the Honorary Dale Hawerchuk Way (Graham Avenue and Hargrave Street).This is not the first time that the statue had faced some sort of vandalism over its short lifetime. But in each occurrence, local cleanup crews were able to minimize the extent and lifespan of the damage incurred.<img src="https://game-on-hockey.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/jk1_1164.jpeg">

Hawerchuk Statue Vandalized Again

<h2>Winnipeg acquires Brayden Yager for Rutger McGroarty</h2>The Rutger McGroarty sweepstakes ended Thursday—concluding a lengthy standstill between the Winnipeg Jets and their former first round prospect.The Jets and Penguins agreed to a deal Thursday that sent 2022 14th overall pick Rutger McGroarty to Pittsburgh in exchange for 2023 14th overall pick Brayden Yager.The situation began April 15 when it was reported that McGroarty would not be signing with the Jets, instead returning to the University of Michigan for his junior season.On June 22, McGroarty voiced his reasoning for the decision—requesting out of Winnipeg in the process. &nbsp;The Jets felt that McGroarty would benefit from some time developing with their AHL affiliate Manitoba Moose before joining the team. This vision did not align with McGroarty’s, who believes he is NHL-ready.After four months of commotion, Thursday’s trade with Pittsburgh allows Jets fans a sigh of relief—and, perhaps, a happy ending to a frustrating affair.Brayden Yager has been an alternate captain with the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors for the last two seasons—tallying 216 points in 154 games. He helped lead the Warriors to their first ever Ed Chynoweth Cup in 2024, sweeping Portland 4-0 in the final round.The Saskatoon product was named to the 2023-24 Canadian Men’s U20 team, scoring five points in five tournament games.Yager also wore the “A” for Team Canada’s U18 squad at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, finishing second in tournament scoring with five goals and nine points in five games.&nbsp;“You see the fan base in Winnipeg, it’s pretty special and especially in the playoffs - the whiteout and everything - it’s crazy,” Yager said Thursday of his new home. “So, I’m super excited.”Jets fans will not have to wait long to see Yager in a Jets uniform, as Jets prospects will compete against the Flames, Oilers, and Canucks at the Vancouver Canucks Young Stars Classic in Penticton, British Columbia—beginning September 15.

Bye Bye Rutger!

<h2>2015-16 - a special year for the Wheat City</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;The 2015-16 Wheat Kings were loaded with talent from top to bottom including big name prospects such as Nolan Patrick, Ivan Provorov, Jayce Hawryluk and John Quenneville, with other players breaking expectations such as Tim MaGauly, captain Macoy Erkamps, Tyler Coulter, and Reid Duke. Behind the top guys were a pair of young players breaking into the league in Kale Clague, Stelio Mattheos. That said, we most certainly cannot forget about the homegrown talent with four players from Brandon: Tanner Kaspick, Ty Lewis, Duncan Campbell and Connor Gutenberg.&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh yeah, the team also included one of - if not - the best goaltending tandems in franchise history with Jordan Papirny and Logan Thompson between the pipes. As usual, they were led by Vegas Golden Knights GM and Wheat Kings Icon Kelly Mccrimmon behind the bench and in the front office.&nbsp;&nbsp;To sum it all up, this team was loaded and one of the best since hosting the 2010 Memorial Cup.The Season Before: The 2014-15 Brandon Wheat Kings&nbsp;Before heading to Red Deer in 2015-16, the “Wheaties” found themselves with a chance to book a ticket to the 2014-15 Memorial Cup in Quebec. The team - led by 105 point and Eastern Conference player of the year Tim MaGauly, Peter Quenneville, Ivan Provorov, Morgan Klimchuk, Rihards Bukarts and other members of the 2015-16 squad - made their way to the WHL final where they played the Kelowna Rockets.&nbsp;Brandon breezed through the regular season, finishing with 114 points to top the league. Then they did it again in the playoffs; cruising through Edmonton, Regina, and Calgary all in five games to reach the WHL Championship. Brandon and Kelowna were evenly matched teams both with fire power up front and tremendous depth. However, the “Wheaties” did go into the finals as slight favorites over a Kelowna team that finished just two points behind them for the regular season title.&nbsp;Kelowna went into Brandon and played two very physical and tight games. The Rockets ended up winning both, heading back to BC with a 2-0 series lead.&nbsp;Kelowna, led by future NHL talent Nick Merkley, Madison Bowey and Leon Draisitl, wasted no time and finished the Wheat Kings in four, crushing all of Manitoba’s dreams and sending the Wheat Kings back home to Brandon.&nbsp;A Big Hole to FillBefore training camp began, the Wheat Kings were hit with a bombshell. Ryan Pilon, one of the team's best defenseman and New York Islanders draft pick, would not be returning to Brandon. Pilon told McCrimmon his heart was no longer in the game.Although Pilon’s presence would be missed at parts of the season, the Wheat Kings made it work with Clague. The youngster took a gigantic step in 2015-16 and filled in perfectly with his offensive style game on an already very good Brandon D-corps.Tough DecisionsAfter a crushing end to the season, McCrimmon had some decisions to make about his roster. The Wheat Kings had already lost key parts of their team going into 2015 including their captain Peter Quenneville, five-year defenceman Eric Roy and Calgary Flames' 2013 first rounder Morgan Klimchuk, but there was one more decision on McCrimmon’s hands.Brandon had four 20-year-old players rostered heading into the season (one over the limit), Rihards Bukarts, Colton Waltz, Macoy Erkamps and Washington Capitals' pick Tim MaGauly. With MaGauly starting the season on Injured reserve it gave the Wheat Kings a little extra time to make their decision and it really was a tough one. It seemed to be between Bukarts and Waltz, but ultimately the Wheat Kings shipped off Bukarts to the Portland Winterhawks for two third round picks.&nbsp;Bukarts who played two full seasons with the Wheat Kings put up exactly one point per game in that time with 137 in 137 games. The Latvian forward finished off his WHL career with 53 points in 55 games for Portland.&nbsp;The decision to keep Waltz was most likely because of Pilon’s earlier departure. Waltz would later be packaged with forward Braylon Shmyr and sent to Saskatoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;2015-16 Regular Season&nbsp;With all the departures and some crazy twists before the season, Brandon still emerged as heavy favorites coming out of the Eastern Conference. With five NHL prospects and others waiting to be drafted, the Wheat Kings brought out a solid lineup of returnees from the 2014-15 finals team. Jayce Hawryluk, John Quenneville, Nolan Patrick, Ivan Provorov, Macoy Erkamps and Reid Duke were all expected to take even bigger steps than the year before. And for the most part, they did.&nbsp;Another TradeOn January 4, McCrimmon pulled off a huge deal, sending forward Braylon Shmyr and overage defenceman Colton Waltz (who earlier demanded a trade) to the Saskatoon Blades for overage defenceman Mitchell Wheaton, 17-year-old Schael Higson and a second-round pick._________________________________________________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. The remaining pieces will be revealed in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for the next four stories released in Game On's Memorial Cup Throwback Series.

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

<h2>Former Jets sniper Patrik Laine dealt to Montreal</h2>The Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets agreed to terms on a trade that will send former Winnipeg Jets star Patrik Laine to Montreal.The trade sends Laine and a 2026 second round pick to Montreal in exchange for defenceman Jordan Harris.Montreal GM Kent Hughes is choosing to look past the red flags surrounding the Finnish forward, who hasn’t dressed since Dec. 14 of last year after breaking his clavicle.Laine’s time in Columbus was plagued by health issues—both physically and mentally.He has not played a full season since his third year with the Jets in 2018-19, largely due to injury.The trade to Montreal is Laine's second fulfilled trade request since coming into the league, to which he requested out of Winnipeg in 2020.“We're looking for people that want to be part of something and part of what we're trying to do,” said Hughes in a Zoom conference with the media. “It’s not for me, it's not for Jeff Gorton, it's not for Geoff Molson, it's not for any one player. It's for all of us as an organization, and Patrik left us with the impression that he wanted to be part of that.”Laine tallied 138 points in 174 games with Columbus—demonstrating that when healthy, he is still effective at generating offence.Laine also spoke to the media over Zoom, where he shared his excitement to return to Canada.“I've played in Canada before and I loved every minute of it, so I miss being back there, where hockey is the number one thing,” Laine said. “I really wanted to go to Montreal. I know the city, how much they care about the team and how passionate the fans are.”The two-time 40-goal scorer, who just got cleared to skate again following his collarbone injury in December, is confident about his progress heading into the 2024 season.“Overall, my body feels good. Obviously, we’re still about a month until camp, so I’ve got lots of time to make some adjustments. But overall, right now I feel really good,” said Laine.Known for his goal-scoring ability, the winger seems adamant on fulfilling that role to his best abilities for his new squad.“I don't want to come back as a 30-goal scorer. I want to come back as a 40-to-50 [goal scorer],” said Laine, “…But it's not just all about that. I want to come in and do whatever it takes to contribute to the team and make the team win.”Laine is expected to be a part of Montreal’s top-six, additionally contributing on the power play.The Canadiens announced Tuesday on social media that Laine will don No. 92 in his new home.

Jets to Face Ducks With or Without Scheifele

With or without top line centre, Jets need big response vs. Anaheim

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