Brandon Wheat Kings defeat Penticton Vees 7-4

The Brandon Wheat Kings defeated the Penticton Vees 7-4 in a Western Hockey League matchup at the South Okanagan Events Centre on Friday. Joby Baumuller led the Wheat Kings with a hat trick, while Colin Grubb contributed four assists.

Despite a difficult second period where Penticton took a temporary lead through goals by Noel Pakarinen and Jackson Schneider, Brandon responded quickly. Baumuller scored twice in late second period to reclaim the lead for the Wheat Kings. Brandon eventually pulled away in the third period with goals from Kris Muissu, Chase Surkan, and an empty-netter by Cole Hunter.

For the Vees, Nate Pederson, Noel Pakarinen, Jackson Schneider, and Graham Jones scored. Jones became the fastest player in WHL history to reach 10 points in his first season with his goal. The game also featured a pre-game tribute to Murray Maxwell, a longtime Vees volunteer who passed away in August.