UPDATED: The West Central Wheat Kings swept the Saskatoon Ice Hawks winning the Centre Four Division final in a thrilling overtime win. The Wheat Kings will now face off against the south division winner for the SAAHL provincial title in a best-of-three series. Game dates to be announced soon.
Fans that have thoroughly enjoyed the excitement of the team's success in playoffs are ramping up their cheering game for the next series that could earn a provincial title.
March 22, Unity Town Council voted to keep the ice in until after the Wheat Kings were done their playoff series as a show of confidence and support in the team's efforts. This is the first time ice will be in the Unity arena in April since 1996 when the Unity Miners hosted the Allan Cup.
UNITY ‑ The excitement is growing as is the fan base for the U18AA West Central Wheat Kings. A team that was able to capture the last playoff spot has heated up the ice ever since.
The Wheat Kings have swept their first two playoff series against the top two teams in the league, the Saskatoon River Kings and the Warman team, putting them into the north final, for the Centre Four Division title, against the Saskatoon Ice Hawks.
A spokesperson for the Wheat Kings acknowledges the town of Unity for the support in keeping the ice in for their team to continue their playoff run. They also acknowledge the amazing fan support through their season and especially their playoff run, saying that the fans are helping make the atmosphere unlike any rink, as well as energizing the team in their playoff quest.
The Wheat Kings won the opening two games against the Ice Hawks and are hoping to sweep yet another series that would put them in the SAAHL and provincial final against the winner in the south. Game three of the best-of-five series takes place March 27 at the Rod Hamm arena in Saskatoon.
Coach Pat Sperle tells the Press-Herald / SASKTODAY.ca, “We had scoring from all three lines and fantastic goaltending collaborating for a total team effort.”
The March 26 game two win was fast-paced and physical, earning them the 6-2 victory. Coaches say the boys continue to work hard, playing as a team and keeping penalties to a minimum making for exciting playoff hockey action.
