Three Hours 'Till the Wheaties

Brandon - The Broncos rolled into Brandon last night around 2am to unload equipment at the Keystone Center before settling in for the night at a downtown hotel.

After meetings and a video session, more sleep, and good pre-game meal, the Broncos should be ready to roll against the potent Wheat Kings in just three hours time.

The Wheaties haven't played since losing Tuesday night in Moose Jaw 5-4 in overtime. Word is they will likely have top defenseman Dustin Kohn back in the line-up after he was injured in Swift Current last Saturday night. They are expected to ice a full line-up while the Broncos have some questions with theirs.

Myles Rumsey is expected to meet the team before game-time after attending the funeral of fellow Winnipeger Todd Davison. The 20 year old died after a long battle with Cancer. Hopefully Myles can play through what has definitely been a tough week for the Bronco's captain. Kyle Bortis took a knee-on-knee hit last night in Moose Jaw and he is questionable for tonight. Spencer Mcavoy is ready to play after a slight concussion.

I'm looking forward to chatting with Brandon Head Coach and G.M. Kelly Macrimmon. He might be my favorite coach to interview pre-game because you never know what he'll say. He likes to throw the odd curve-ball and likes when you challenge him on something. Not once has he ever "big-leagued" the interview and acted like it was a waste of his time. For the most part other coaches are great about visiting media. They all know it's just a part of the game and they are usually very accommodating.

Bye-bye Danny Rakos. Danny is off to the Czech junior team evaluation camp tomorrow as he attempts to play for his native country at the upcoming WJHC in Sweden. Apparently 28 players get invited to camp and only 22 will make it. Quite the honour I would think to make that grade will all the top Czech juniors out there including Red Deer's Martin Hanzal. Good luck Danny boy.

Around the dub last night was filled with upsets. The Silvertips were blanked in Kelowna 2-0 while the Tigers lost in Lethbridge 4-3 in a game that ended ugly. A couple of fights at the end of the game could result in the league taking a look. Maybe a few fines will be passed out we'll see. I don't know all the details so I won't comment.

To close off this latest edition, whlfans.ca is getting a bit ridiculous with the "Benke" thread. I swear people just argue for the sake of arguing on there. Benke's popularity with some fans just SKYROCKETED after he was no longer with the team. Leave it to a few people to look for anything and everything to bitch about. I'm sick of it. I saw Karl everyday of his WHL career since cracking this team. Great kid, he's no Aaron Rome like some are making him out to be. But Benks' has reached folk hero mortal status ever since he was re-assigned. This is the last I will address this topic until something changes. Anyone who wants to discuss it, fire me an e-mail and put your name to it. We'll chat, jonkeen@hotmail.com .

And the "Vote for Rory" campaign is still gathering momentum. I talked to Dean Chynoweth about this at breakfast. He made a good point. He thinks if Rory Fitzpatrick is voted to the all-star game the NHL will go to him and ask him to politely decline the invitation. The NHL doesn't need to be made a mockery of. Even if it does raise his profile, the league will eventually step in. Or will they?? Vote for Rory . . . Let's find out.

Broncos and Wheat Kings on the air at 7pm with the pre-game show on the Eagle 94.1 FM.

Go Broncos,
Jon