Lisoway embracing role with Wheat Kings

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Published on Monday, November 18, 2013

By: Lanny Stewart

myWestman.ca

Neepawa's Quintin Lisoway says he's enjoying his current role with the Brandon Wheat Kings.

After playing in only 38 games last season with the Western Hockey League club, the 18-year-old forward has played in 21 of 23 regular season games thus far (as of Nov. 18). The 5-foot-10, 190 pound centre currently has six assists playing primarily on a fourth line with younger players on the squad such as Ryley Lindgren, Brett Kitt, Braylon Shmyr, Jesse Gabrielle and Tyler Coulter.

"I'm really enjoying getting the opportunity to help the younger guys out and to help make their transition into the league easier," he told myWestman.ca.

Lisoway, who is a ninth-round bantam draft choice of the Wheat Kings in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft, had his first multi-point game of the season on Friday night against the Saskatoon Blades where he assisted on goals from Shmyr and Lindgren in the third period en route to a 6-2 Wheat Kings victory. He's hoping the two-point night might create a spark offensively for him.

"I wish I was producing more on the offensive side of things obviously, but I feel the points will come."

Lisoway says his overall game has improved since he first laced up the skates with the Wheat Kings last year. He says his defensive game continues to get better and he credits the coaching staff, led by head coach Kelly McCrimmon, for his continued improvement in that area.

Lisoway and the Wheat Kings were recently on a lengthy western road trip which saw the club play six games in 10 days, which included stops in U.S. cities such as Spokane, Seattle and Portland. Although the Wheat Kings only won two of the six contests during the trip, Lisoway says it was a great team bonding experience.

"A road trip of that length definitely brings a team closer together and it definitely did," he said. "The atmosphere during the games down there were unbelievable. They definitely enjoy their hockey down there. I think they consider it great entertainment."

Lisoway and the Wheat Kings currently sit with a 12-11-0-0 record. After a so-so start to the season, Brandon has put together a 5-2 record in the month of November.

"From a team standpoint, I think we're really picking up steam," said Lisoway. "The club we have is continuing to get stronger everyday and that's going to be big for us in the second half of the year."

The next game action for the Wheat Kings and Lisoway is tomorrow night when they travel to Swift Current to battle the Broncos.

The Wheat Kings roster also includes forward Chad Robinson from Minnedosa who currently has three goals and 11 points in 23 games this season.

Photo: Quintin Lisoway

File photo