Wheat Kings struggles continue this past weekend

The Killam Wheat Kings lost both games on the weekend, but the level of play has stepped up and the boys put out a good effort in their 4-3 loss to the St. Paul Canadiens.

The Canadiens travelled to Killam on Friday, Oct 11. The game was a back and forth affair with plenty of shots on net. The shots were 30-28 in favour of Killam.

Killam was first on the scoreboard on a goal by Dean Brodie assisted by Jared Heisler and Clay Lang, midway in the first frame. St. Paul evened the score late in the period, then took the lead on a short-handed goal when the defense was caught pinching in and the Canadiens took advantage to take a 2-1 lead after one.

Killam evened the score on a power-play goal by Kyle Wandler on a feed from Myles Ellert and Paul Mallard. The Wheaties took the lead on rookie Brady Johnson’s first goal of the season assisted by twin brother Brant Johnson and Riley King. St. Paul evened the score to make it a 3-3 game after the second.

The Wheat Kings’ five forwards were caught once again deep in the offensive zone on the power-play and St. Paul capitalized with a short-handed goal for a 4-3 game.

Killam pulled the goalie for the extra attacker but were unable to net the puck.

The team showed great improvement from the their last home ice performance and were working hard the entire game.

Five veteran players were serving suspensions, including the starting goaltender. Rookie goalie Nick Galenzoski faced 28 shots and did an outstanding job despite the loss.

Another loss for the struggling Wheat Kings came Sunday, Oct. 13 in Wainwright.

The undefeated Bisons were too much for the Wheaties, and downed them 7-2.

Picking up goals for Killam were Riley King and Dean Brodie. Assists went to Alex Badry (2) and Jared Heisler.

The Wheat Kings will travel to Vermilion on Friday and host the undefeated Lloydminster Bandits on Saturday, Oct 19. with puck drop at 8 p.m.

Jae Robbins,
Staff Reporter