Brandon, MB. – The Brandon Wheat Kings have announced plans for their first of three Special Theme Jerseys for the 2016-17 Western Hockey League season.

On Friday, November 4th when the Wheat Kings host Seattle in a rematch of last year’s WHL Championship Final, the home team will take to the ice in the home white jerseys, worn by the Wheat Kings for sixteen seasons between 1986-2002.

Supported by 94.7 Star FM and 880 CKLQ, the Wheat Kings special theme jerseys this season will not only help raise money for local charities, it’s an excellent opportunity for the Wheat Kings to help celebrate its 50th Anniversary in the WHL.

The primary color of the November 4th jersey will be white with black piping and gold trim. The main crest has a retro feel, resembling the Wheat King Vintage logo, without the Block letter B in the wheat sheaf.

During the 16-year run of this popular jersey, the Wheat Kings won four Eastern Division pennants, finished second three times and made two appearances in the Memorial Cup. In 1995, when Kamloops served as Host and in ’96 when the Wheat Kings defeated the Spokane Chiefs four games to one to capture their second WHL Championship.

The ’96 Championship club featured such stars as Wade Redden, Chris Dingman, Peter Schaefer, Cory Cyrenne and Mike Leclerc.

Among the other Wheat King stars to ‘don this jersey were former NHL first round draft picks Trevor Kidd, Kevin Cheveldayoff, Stefan Cherneski and Eric Fehr as well as Jordin Tootto, Ryan Craig and Marty Murray, who was chosen the WHL Player of the Year in 1995.

The game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off during a silent auction throughout the game against the TBirds as well as a radio auction during a Wheat Kings’ broadcast on CKLQ.

Proceeds from the sale of the jerseys will go to the Brandon and District United Way.

“We are thrilled to have an opportunity to partner with the Wheat Kings this year,” says Local United Way CEO Cynamon Mychasiw. “Their commitment to the community year after year is to be admired. Our partnership over the past two seasons has put over $30,000 back into the critical programs and services in Brandon and District United Way.”

The November game will be the first of three Theme Jersey nights by the Wheat Kings this season. The second will be held on Friday, February 10th when Brandon hosts the Everett Silvertips, with the third and final game scheduled for Friday, March 3rd against Calgary. More details on both of these games will be announced later this year.

Proceeds from the sale of theme jerseys on those nights will go to Westman Dreams for Kids and the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex respectively.

“Of the many jerseys worn by the Wheat Kings over the years, this one is truly one of the most popular with both our players and fans,” says Director of Business Operations and Sponsorship Rick Dillabough. “By joining forces with the Brandon and District United Way, we have the opportunity to give back to those that need help in our community.”

Anyone wanting to place a bid on a jersey, or those wishing to place a “reserve bid” for any of the game worn jerseys, are asked to contact the Brandon & District United Way office at (204) 571-8929 or by email at events@brandonuw.ca

Over $40,000 was generated during last year’s theme jersey auctions, benefitting the United Way and Canadian Cancer Society.