By Mitch Bach

Injury bug biting Wheat Kings, optimistic heading into game three

Mar 27, 2017 | 5:05 PM

DAUPHIN, MB — As injury-ridden as the Medicine Hat Tigers were over the 2016-17 campaign, so too were the Brandon Wheat Kings.

The difference — Medicine Hat is back to a 100% healthy line-up heading into game three of the Eastern Conference quarter-finals, while several question marks remain on the Wheat Kings line-up sheet.

Brandon’s star forward Nolan Patrick, who’s projected to go first overall in the upcoming NHL draft, has yet to make a series appearance, and starting goaltender Logan Thompson left Saturday’s contest early after colliding with Tigers forward Max Gerlach.

Wheat Kings head coach David Anning says both are game-time decisions ahead of Tuesday’s clash in Dauphin, MB.

“Our group is hopeful,” said Anning on Patrick returning to form at some point in the opening round. “He’s a big part of our team and he’s somebody that we rely on in all situations. He’s an elite player, he’s one of the best players in the Western Hockey League, he’s the playoff MVP from last season.

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“We’re hopeful, it remains day-to-day and we’ll see where we are at come game time.”

Thompson’s return seems a little more likely after practicing with the team on Monday, but Anning doesn’t want to take any chances on starting a goaltender that isn’t fit for the task in game three.

“He’ll be another guy who’s a game time decision, but we certainly hope that he’s able to go tomorrow,” he added.

Thompson left Saturday’s game late in the third after a collision with Tigers F Gerlach. HC Anning says he practiced with the team today.

— Mitch Bach (@CHATTVMitchBach) March 27, 2017

The Brandon Wheat Kings trail the Medicine Hat Tigers 2-0 in their best-of-seven series as it shifts to Dauphin, MB for games three and four on Tuesday and Wednesday.