Be on Time! Advertising Deadline: 12 Noon on Tuesday

Enter the Easter Colouring Contest! Click Here!

Friday, April 10, 2026

For PDF version of this week paper, please click here...

2x12 Assiniboine Window & Door Business Directory.png

After going down 2-0 in Calgary against the Hitmen, Brandon came back to Manitoba looking to even up the series in hopes to advance to the second round. Games 3 to 5 were set to take place in Virden at the Tundra Oil and Gas Place.

Game 1

In game 1 of the series, Calgary won the game in triple overtime with a final score of 1-0 taking the series lead. Brandon goaltender Filip Ruzicka finished the game with 64 saves on 65 shots. Hitmen goaltender Eric Tu finished with 49 saves on 49 shots securing the shutout for the win. The only goal of the game went to Ethan Moore of the Hitmen. The game ended up being 4 hours and 24 minutes long with the game starting at 19:03 and ending at 23:27.

Game 2

There was no shortage of scoring with 11 total goals scored with the Hitmen taking the game in overtime leading the series over the Wheat Kings 2 games to none going to Manitoba for games 3, 4, and game 5 if needed.

Game 3

The Hitmen opened the scoring late in the first period with a shot barely squeaking by Filip Ruzicka. The next goal was also by the Hitmen late in the second with only 5:23 left in the period. Luckily the Wheat Kings answered quickly, scoring just a minute and 12 seconds later. Keeping themselves in the game they held off the Hitmen till the last 2 minutes of the game. With 2 minutes left the Wheat Kings pull Ruzicka with hopes to score the equalizer and force overtime for the third time. These hopes were quickly put to rest with Calgary scoring just 20 seconds later and taking the game 3-1, now leading the series 3 to none.

Game 4

The Wheat Kings came out the gates strong, scoring twice in the first period and not giving Calgary any room to make plays in Brandon’s end. At the start of the second period the Hitmen scored with a very crucial assist from the official, Adam Forbes. This sadly led to the loss of momentum for the Wheat Kings. Luckily, they set a stalemate for the rest of the second going into the third period with a 2-1 lead. Going into the third there were plenty of chances for both squads. Almost 10 minutes into the third the Hitmen got the equalizer with an assist from Adam Forbes yet again making it 2-2. Shortly after the Hitmen got their third goal with yet another major assist from the official, Bobby Jo Love. Leading the Hitmen to take charge of the game 3-2. As everyone knows history tends to repeat itself. At the 2-minute mark the Wheat Kings pull Ruzicka to try and equalize the game and force overtime again. Almost as quickly as Game 3 the Hitmen scored just 45 seconds later. This led to the final score being 4-2 for the Calgary Hitmen and winning the series 4 games to none.

Sadly, the Game 4 loss ended the Wheat Kings season short and sent the boys to practice their golf swings. All in all the boys did an incredible job this series and played fairly well through all their games. Hopefully next season they can push past the first round and make it to the Memorial Cup and bring it home. Best of luck to all the boys and for those who are injured we all wish you a quick recovery and hope to see you next season.