Wheat Kings This Week: Potential Playoff Preview And Skills Competition Await Wheat Kings

The end of the WHL regular season is less than six weeks away, and the playoffs loom. Earlier today, the WHL posted a list on social media of which teams would face each other in the first round if the playoffs began today. For the Wheat Kings, that potential matchup involves a very familiar opponent who also happens to be their next one.

The Wheat Kings travel to Moose Jaw to face the Warriors on Thursday, the seventh meeting of the season between the two teams. They’ve split the first six meetings right down the middle, but each team looks a little different from their last game against each other on December 16.

“It’s a big matchup,” said Wheat Kings assistant coach Mark Derlago. “They’ve obviously loaded up a little bit and gone on a bit of a run here. It’s been a while since we’ve played them last, but we’ve had some success against them this season and hopefully we can build on that. I know the guys are excited to get there.”

The Wheat Kings return home the following night to host the Calgary Hitmen, but because the Hitmen don’t play the previous day the Wheat Kings, despite being the home team, are going to be less rested than their opponents. They know the Hitmen will come in with plenty of motivation too, as they’re in a tie for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

“We’re worried about Moose Jaw first,” said Derlago. “We’ll get out of there as quickly as we can after the game then get home, get our rest and get back it against Calgary. They’ve kind of had our number this year so I know the guys are excited about that one as well.”

Closing out the week is a rare Monday game against Saskatoon, but before the Wheat Kings play that game they’ve got another event on the calendar: their skills competition at J&G Homes Arena on Sunday, February 18. It’s a chance for the players to show off a bit and connect with some of the young fans who will be in attendance.

“I know the kids are excited, I know my kids are excited for the day, they’ve taken part in the past in it,” Derlago said. “It’s nice for guys to show their personalities off, show some skills off, and I know they have fun with it, so it should be a good day.”

Puck drop for the Wheat Kings games against the Warriors and Hitmen is 7:00, but their game against the Saskatoon Blades on Monday, February 19, will start at 2:00 PM at Westoba Place.