Wheat Kings Double ICE Wednesday

Nolan Patrick's power play goal stood up as the game-winner as the Brandon Wheat Kings doubled the Kootenay ICE 4-2 Wednesday at Western Financial Place.

Wyatt Hoflin turned aside 36 shots, while Austin Wellsby and Jared Legien replied for the hosts.

Kootenay held a 1-0 lead through 20 minutes of play, going ahead on a Wellsby marker at 13:23. The ICE forward, making his return to the lineup, put a backhand shot past Wheat Kings goaltender Logan Thompson from the left circle after a centring pass from linemate Roman Dymacek. Brandon held an 11-9 edge in shots through the opening frame.

The Wheat Kings equalized just past the midway mark of period two when the puck caromed to a pinching James Shearer in the right circle. The Brandon defenseman snapped the puck off the left post and in for his third goal of the season.

Kootenay reclaimed the lead less than three minutes later when rookie forward Jared Legien wired a shot over Thompson's right shoulder, but the Wheat Kings again leveled the score before the second period was through on a tally from rearguard Kale Clague.

Brandon enjoyed a pair of power-play opportunities early in period three, going ahead on Patrick's goal from the slot at 3:36. The Brandon forward ran his goal-scoring streak to 11 games with his team-leading 36th goal of the season.

Veteran forward John Quenneville rounded out the scoring five minutes later, capitalizing on a turnover in the ICE zone.

The Wheat Kings outshot Kootenay 40-15 overall.

HADDAD FINANCIAL SERVICES 3 STARS:
1. Nolan Patrick, Brandon
2. Wyatt Hoflin, Kootenay
3. Kale Clague, Brandon

UP NEXT: the ICE continue their home stand Friday versus the Edmonton Oil Kings on Pink the Rink Night, presented by Western Financial Group. Fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game, with proceeds from Friday's Pink Puck Toss benefitting anti-bullying initiatives in local schools. Game time is 7:00 pm.