The first two playoff rounds were a cakewalk compared to this.

The Edmonton Oil Kings and Moose Jaw Warriors in their rear view, the Brandon Wheat Kings open the Western Hockey League's Eastern conference final against the Red Deer Rebels, Friday.

The same Red Deer Rebels who are hosting this year's Memorial Cup.

And you know what that means.

“They loaded up some really high-end prospects,” Wheaties forward Jayce Hawryluk said, Wednesday. “But we saw that coming. We've pretty much had this team all year and we knew right from the beginning this is the team we needed to beat to win it all. They're basically guaranteed to be there.

“But it's playoff time. People step up that you wouldn't expect to step up. It's all about who wants it more.”

After a shaky start to the post-season that saw them lose the first two games, Brandon has rattled off eight wins in nine tries, including a five-game romp over the Warriors.

Red Deer, on the other hand, is coming off a seven-game series win over Regina.

Pick a favourite at your own peril.

The Wheat Kings topped the conference with 102 points this season, after making it all the way to the conference final a year ago.

Red Deer had 93 points, and has that Memorial Cup berth already locked up, as the host.

So Hawryluk's comment about who wants it more might actually hold some water.

“That's probably a fair statement,” Brandon assistant coach Dave Anning said. “The two teams are evenly matched. If you look at it on paper it's a challenge. We're going to have to continue to have that determination we had early on. Edmonton made us better and harder. We have to learn from that.”

A quick check of Brandon's roster and you're struck by the local flavour on it.

No less than 12 Manitoba-born players skate for Manitoba's only top-tier junior team, including nine forwards.

“More than most years,” Anning acknowledged. “Obviously it's not the be-all and end-all. But a lot of our guys have played together in the past and it's nice to have that chemistry and relationship. But our group as a whole is a tight-knit group. Guys have really bought into a team mentality.”

The locals aren't just along for the ride, either.

Hawryluk and Nolan Patrick were one-two on the team in regular-season scoring, with 106 and 102 points, respectively.

Of Brandon's nine Manitoba-born forwards, every one has at least one playoff goal, led by Patrick's five and Hawryluk's pair.

“Those two guys had exceptional regular seasons,” Anning said. “Come playoff time we've had contributions from many different guys.

“The philosophy of the organization is to have Manitoba players whenever the fit's right. It's special for those players to play for the Wheat Kings. It's a model that's allowed us to be successful.”

Hawryluk's from Roblin, Patrick a Winnipegger and third linemate Tyler Coulter hails from the Wheat City.

“I love it,” Hawryluk said. “I get to play in front of my friends and family pretty much every night that I'm in Brandon, so that's awesome.”

Hawryluk's not sure how much of an advantage it is, but Coulter swears by it.

“Because we all grew up playing together or against each other,” Coulter said. “We know each other so well it's real easy to become good friends with each other. Having so many guys close like this is a huge advantage for our team.”

It also helps that the Wheaties have gone from a high-flying, high-scoring outfit that had plenty of holes to a still high-flying, not-quite-as-high-scoring one that likes shutting down the other guys.

“We're a lot better defensively,” Coulter said. “This year we gave up the least amount of goals in the conference. We knew we weren't going to win games 7-6 this year. That was our mindset to try to give up two or less every night.”

And damn the personal statistics?

“That all goes to the side when you see a group of guys like this,” Coulter said. “Everyone can score and lead. It's not about putting the stats up as it is just getting those wins.”

That trip to the conference final last season should help against Red Deer.

The Manitoba flavour can't hurt.

THE SHOWDOWN

WHL Eastern Conference Final

Game 1, Friday, 7:30: Red Deer at Brandon

Game 2, Saturday, 7:30: Red Deer at Brandon

Game 3, Tuesday: Brandon at Red Deer

Game 4, Wednesday, Apr. 27: Brandon at Red Deer

Game 5, Friday, Apr. 29, 7 p.m.: Red Deer at Brandon*

Game 6, Sunday, May 1: Brandon at Red Deer*

Game 7, Tuesday, May 3, 7 p.m.: Red Deer at Brandon*

*if necessary