They came to see the frantic energy of major junior hockey on Winnipeg ice for the first time in 35 years.

Some 1,600 fans filled the cozy confines of the Wayne Fleming Arena at the University of Manitoba on Saturday night for the home debut of the city’s new Western Hockey League team.

The Winnipeg Ice and Brandon Wheat Kings put on a show that had everything you’d want in a junior game – punishing hits, a bushel of scoring chances, even a scrap – and a few things you wouldn’t want: some dirty hits and senseless tussles that would make any parent shake their head.

It’s been just two games, but apparently this provincial rivalry is well under way.

After a 3-2 Winnipeg win in Brandon in the season-opener for both teams on Friday, the Wheat Kings turned the tables with a 4-2 victory a night later.

Brandon opened the scoring, fell behind by a goal before the first period was up, scored two unanswered in the second and added a late insurance marker.

Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Getting goals for the Wheat Kings were Luka Burzan, with a pair, Ben McCartney and Lynden McCallum.

Scoring for Winnipeg were Michal Teply and Brad Ginnell.

Filling the smallest rink in the WHL for at least the first two seasons while the Ice owners find a place to build a new facility shouldn’t be a problem.

The team’s long-term drawing power, in a landscape that already includes the

NHL Jets and AHL Manitoba Moose, is less predictable.

Fans filing into their seats Saturday described the WHL as an exciting alternative.

“Something fresh and new,” 27-year-old Christian Goodwin, wearing a Moose hoodie, said. “We’re so used to see pros, it’s nice to see the kids. They’re hungry and they still want to go somewhere.”

It was a male-dominated crowd, many in their 20’s, with a healthy family component, too.

Harley Siemens, 24, said he was one of the first to put down a deposit when the Ice announced they were relocating from Cranbrook, B.C., to Winnipeg.

“I’ve always loved the WHL,” Siemens said. “I love watching players try to get to the next level. These guys are younger and have a little more zest.

Everybody loves watching World Junior Hockey, and they pull from this pool.

“Once the team gets off and running, more and more people will be interested in it.”

Some are even more involved than just being fans.

Adam Hague, at the game with his five-year-old son, Owen, has welcomed one of the Ice players as a billet in their home.

“We thought it might be fun, and a good influence to see someone successful and committed enough to get to this level,” Hague said.

Hague’s son is a budding player at the Rink Academy, where the Ice are headquartered.

pfriesen@postmedia.com

Twitter: @friesensunmedia