The Brandon Wheat Kings dominated the Southwest Cougars in a home-and-home series, securing a clean sweep with shutout and high-scoring wins in the Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League. These games, played over the weekend in Brandon and Souris, capped the first half of the season amid weather delays that postponed other matchups.
Thrilling Weekend Matchups
Fans braved the cold to watch intense action at J&G Homes Arena on Saturday. The Wheat Kings shut out the Cougars 4-0, with goaltender Urijah Moosetail stopping all 28 shots he faced. Hudson Champagne scored the game-winner on a breakaway in the second period, setting the tone for a defensive masterclass.
The series shifted to Souris/Glenwood Memorial Complex on Sunday, where Brandon exploded for an 8-1 victory. They built a commanding 5-0 lead in the first period alone, showcasing their offensive depth. Cooper Dryden earned the win in net with 30 saves, while the Cougars managed just one goal late in the game.
These wins highlighted the Wheat Kings’ balanced attack and strong goaltending, which have been key to their success this season. The Cougars struggled to generate consistent offense, facing a total of 75 shots over the two games.
Standout Players Shine Bright
Several Wheat Kings players stepped up in big ways during the sweep. Forward Cole Dupuis netted goals in both games, including two on Sunday, proving his scoring touch under pressure.
Reid Nicol, a 15-year-old standout, returned from a call-up with the Everett Silvertips and scored twice on Sunday. His performance adds to his impressive season, where he has thrived against older competition.
Other contributors included Matthew Dupuis, Benjamin Sveistrup, Nolan Peterson, Crew Elder, and Easten Turko. Their efforts helped Brandon outshoot the Cougars 75-59 across the series.
- Cole Dupuis: 3 goals over the weekend, leading the charge.
- Reid Nicol: 2 goals on Sunday, fresh from pro experience.
- Urijah Moosetail: Perfect shutout with 28 saves on Saturday.
These individual efforts not only secured the wins but also boosted team morale heading into the holiday break.
Weather Woes and League Impact
Blizzards forced the postponement of games on Wednesday and Friday, including Brandon’s matchups against Parkland and the Winnipeg Thrashers. This disruption affected the league schedule, with rescheduling expected soon.
Despite the interruptions, the Wheat Kings improved to 21-6-0-1, solidifying their fourth-place standing. The Cougars, meanwhile, continue to battle in the lower half of the table.
This sweep comes at a pivotal time, as teams like the Wheat Kings aim to build momentum. In the broader Manitoba hockey scene, similar weather issues have delayed youth leagues, but the U18 AAA has shown resilience with quick adaptations.
| Game Date | Location | Final Score | Key Scorers (Wheat Kings) | Shots on Goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 20, 2025 | J&G Homes Arena, Brandon | Wheat Kings 4-0 Cougars | Champagne, C. Dupuis, M. Dupuis, Turko | 35-28 (Brandon) |
| Dec. 21, 2025 | Souris/Glenwood Memorial Complex | Wheat Kings 8-1 Cougars | C. Dupuis (2), Nicol (2), Sveistrup, Peterson, Elder, M. Dupuis | 40-31 (Brandon) |
The table above breaks down the essentials, showing Brandon’s dominance in both scoring and possession.
Broader Context in Youth Hockey
The Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League remains a hotbed for developing talent, with players like Nicol drawing attention from higher levels. This season, the league has seen increased parity, but teams like Brandon stand out with their mix of youth and experience.
Recent trends in Canadian junior hockey emphasize skill development amid challenges like weather and scheduling. The Wheat Kings’ success mirrors that of other strong programs, such as their U15 counterparts who boast an undefeated record.
Looking at national youth hockey, events like the World Juniors highlight the importance of leagues like this in grooming future stars. Brandon’s sweep adds to the excitement, as they chase a championship after reaching the final last year.
What Lies Ahead for Both Teams
The Wheat Kings break for the holidays and return on January 2, hosting the Winnipeg Bruins at 7:30 p.m. This matchup could propel them higher in the standings if they maintain their form.
For the Cougars, the focus shifts to rebuilding momentum after tough losses. They face a challenging second half but have shown flashes of potential in earlier games.
As the season progresses, watch for how these teams adapt to rescheduled games and potential injuries. The league’s competitive nature promises more thrilling action in 2026.
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