UNITY — The excitement has grown, the hype is real. The West Central Wheat Kings have ignited hockey fever in Unity and surrounding communities. Fans have an opportunity to bring the noise April 2 at the Unity Community Centre as the Wheat Kings open the SAAHL provincial final best-of three series at home.
Facing off against the WCWK for the SAAHL championship are the south division winners, the Regina Vics.
Residents have said it has been some time since the town has been buzzing with hockey excitement like this. Add the pandemic prescribed hockey hiatus, and fans are even more excited to have a home town team vying for a championship this late in the season.
Coach Pat Sperle has reiterated throughout the playoff season that disciplined play and bringing out the best in each other has been the formula that has brought his team to this final.
It’s a big bonus for the Wheat Kings to host game one at home as the team has maintained throughout the previous playoff series that hometown fans, and the energy they bring, have helped them to succeed. Game two is set for Regina, with date to be determined. If a game three is needed, the Wheat Kings will have home ice advantage once again.
Team Manager, Marli Shepherd, says, “As of right now we have one fan bus going that is full of player siblings, parents and grandparents. We are open to booking another bus if anyone wants to co-ordinate and plan that bus.”
One local fan said, “This team is fun to watch and they keep the excitement brewing the whole 60 minutes, I can’t wait to catch the next series.”
It’s been 26 years since Unity has still had ice in the arena in April. Fans are predicting it will be worth the wait.
