Brandon, Manitoba -- The Western Hockey League's Brandon Wheat Kings will be busy, both on and off the ice, this weekend as they continue preparations for the 2007 regular season.
In addition to back to back pre-season games, including Saturday night's exhibition opener at 7:30 p.m. against Swift Current, the Wheat Kings will be turning in their sticks and skates to help out two worthwhile programs.
Veterans Theran Yeo and Jay Fehr will be signing autographs and distributing 2007-08 pocket schedules at the Community Services booth at Shoppers Mall from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Saturday in support of the CIBC Run for the Cure Campaign.
Yeo will then be joined by Daryl Boyle and rookies Andrew Hayes and Jordan Hale at the 2007 Wag-a-tail Walk-a-Thon at the Riverbank Discovery Centre at 10:30 Sunday morning.
The annual event kicks off at 9 a.m. with Willie the Wheat Kings' mascot assisting with registration. Western Manitoba hockey fans and their favorite canines will have the opportunity to walk one of two routes between 9 and 11 a.m. A barbecue, featuring the Wheat King players will follow.
All proceeds from the Walk-a-Thon will benefit the Brandon Humane Society, who provides shelter to over 300 lost, unwanted, abused or abandoned animals each year.
The Brandon Humane Society is a non-profit charity governed by a volunteer board of directors. All operating costs are completely covered by donations and special events.
In other off ice news, 2007-08 Season Ticket holders can pick up their tickets Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Keystone Centre Assembly Hall. Fans can also use this opportunity to stop by, check out the available seats for the coming season and take advantage of the best bargain in the WHL. At $250 for adults and $125 for youth (18 and under), the defending Eastern Division Champions offer the lowest price ticket in Canadian Major Junior Hockey.
On the ice, the Wheat Kings will close out the busy weekend with a game Sunday night in Prince Albert.