Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA Team Aims for First Telus Cup Title in 20 Years

The Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA hockey team, coached by Travis Mealy, is traveling to Membertou, Nova Scotia to compete in the Telus Cup national championship.

The Wheat Kings dominated the Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League this season, losing just once in 44 games and outscoring their opponents 270-82. They are now aiming to capture their first national title in two decades.

Brandon won the league title and the West Regional championship to advance to the Telus Cup for the first time in 13 years. The last Manitoba team to win the national U18 championship was the Winnipeg Thrashers in 2011. The Wheat Kings will face tough competition in Membertou from teams like the Quebec champion Cantonniers de Magog, Ontario's Markham Waxers, and the host Sydney Rush.

Why this matters: The Telus Cup is returning to Nova Scotia for the first time in 27 years, showcasing the top under-18 hockey talent from across Canada. A championship for Brandon would mark a historic achievement for the proud hockey city and the province of Manitoba.

The Wheat Kings are led by a powerful first line and feature several top prospects, including forwards Jaxon Jacobson and Brady Turko, who are both expected to be selected in the upcoming NHL Draft. Jacobson was named the Canadian Elite Hockey League U18 Player of the Year, while Turko earned Western Region Player of the Year honors. Both have already made their Western Hockey League debuts with the Brandon Wheat Kings major junior team, each scoring their first WHL goals.

Brandon had a wake-up call at the West Regional, losing 5-3 to Thunder Bay, but rebounded to win the championship game 1-0 in overtime. "We learned from that experience and played better in the final," said rookie defenseman Nolan Saunderson, one of several Wheat Kings making their first trip to Nova Scotia along with forwards Cole Lobreau and Loughlan McMullan. The team is known for its fast-paced offense. "If we play our game, we can be the best team on the ice and bring home the championship banner," Saunderson added.

The Telus Cup tournament begins on Monday, April 24th with round-robin play between the six competing teams. The top four will advance to the semifinals, with the gold and bronze medal games set for Sunday, April 30th. Coach Mealy wants his players to soak in the accomplishment of reaching the national championship, regardless of the final outcome. The Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA squad looks to make the most of this opportunity and end Manitoba's 13-year Telus Cup title drought.

Key Takeaways

• Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA team has advanced to Telus Cup national championship in Membertou, Nova Scotia.
• Wheat Kings dominated Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League, losing just once in 44 games.
• A team led by top prospects Jaxon Jacobson and Brady Turko, both expected to be drafted in the NHL.
• Wheat Kings rebounded from a regional loss to win a championship and earn first Telus Cup berth in 13 years.
• Manitoba aims to end the 13-year Telus Cup title drought, last won by Winnipeg Thrashers in 2011.