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| Tyler Yaworski is eligible to return to Brandon's lineup on Monday |
The Wheat Kings' defenceman will serve the final two games of his league-imposed six-game suspension when Brandon hosts the Kootenay Ice Friday and Saturday (7:35 p.m., Westman Communications Group Place).
The Sherwood Park, Alberta product was banned for six games after receiving a checking-to-the-head major in a game against Regina on February 2nd even though replays showed there was no contact to the head during the open-ice hit.
"It's tough, especially in our game because it's very high-paced and fast game and sometimes there's split-second decisions you have to make," said Yaworski after Brandon's practice on Thursday, "You just have to watch your hits but, in saying that, you still have to try and be a physical presence."
It was Yaworski's second suspension this season and as he prepares to return to the lineup, it's giving him cause for pause in how he approaches the game.
"Obviously, I'm going to have to change a little bit but in saying that, I'm still going to try and be a physical presence," added Yaworski, "That's my game and I think I'm playing my best when I'm physical. I'm going to have to watch some of the open-ice hits but I think I'll try to remain the same in being a physical presence out on the ice."
Yaworski will be eligible to return to the lineup for Monday's road game in Saskatoon, which means he's spent most of Brandon's two-week home stand watching from the stands.
The Wheat Kings are 2-3-0-0 during their current home stand that started February 2nd and Yaworski says watching has given him a different perspective on the team.
"You get a different look than being on the ice or on the bench. It's tough watching when we're losing but, just watching, I think we need a little bit harder work and making better decision with the puck," said Yaowrski, "Our puck management needs to be better and I think when I'm back, I'm just going to try and help out and bring some leadership to the lineup."
There was no word Thursday on whether Jayce Hawryluk would be back in the lineup for Friday's game.
Hawryluk spent Thursday's practice skating on what would have to be considered Brandon's fourth line after missing Wednesday's shutout loss to Medicine Hat with school-related issues.
Chaff...Virden product Landon Peel returns to Western Manitoba for the first time as a member of the Kootenay Ice. The Ice called Peel up from Swan Valley of the MJHL on January 10th. He has three assists and a +4 rating in 14 games for a Kootenay team that, at one time, was 13 games under .500 at the Christmas break but has gone 17-5-1-0 in 23 games since...all 23 Male and Female teams that are competing in the Hockey Manitoba Bantam AAA Showcase in Brandon this weekend will be in attendance at Friday's Wheat Kings' game.
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