Wheat Kings Loading Up??

The Brandon Wheat Kings made a move today they hope pays off before the puck drops on the Mastercard Memorial Cup.

Brandon dealt 18 year old goaltender James Priestner and a 5th round conditional draft pick to the Prince George Cougars for a 3rd round 2011 bantam pick and the rights to 19 year old defenceman Aaron Ness who is currently a member of the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

I say for now, because the Wheat Kings are obviously hoping Ness comes North and join them as they host the Memorial Cup this year.

The 2008 2nd rounder of the New York Islanders has never to my knowledge indicated he's looking to leave the Golden Gophers, so on the surface this seems like a long shot for the Wheat Kings, but Kelly McCrimmon is widely known as one of the smartest and shrewdest GM's in the league so don't be surprised if it does actually happen.

Just like I wouldn't be surprised if the Schwartz boys also at some point end up in the Wheat City. Brandon owns Rylan's rights and could trade for Jaden's from the Tri City Americans. Right now Jaden is planning to play for the Tri City Storm of the USHL. I've heard he will not play for the Americans but would consider the Wheat Kings. TPS spoke to Jaden Tuesday night and ask him about Brandon. His response was expected and you can listen to it here but the rumours of this happening just won't go away. Rylan is slated to attend Colorado College this year, while Jaden is supposed to follow suit next season.

Throw in Swedish defenceman Alex Urbom and the possibility of Oilers draft pick Toni Rajala suiting up in the WHL's most eastern club and Brandon could be a very interesting team this year. However, for all of the above to happen, a lot of things have to fall into place at the same time, which would be about as rare as a Loch Ness Monster sighting. Wheat King fans would settle for an Aaron Ness sighting.