Brandon, MB. -- The Brandon Wheat Kings will be hoping to get back on the winning track Friday night - Manitoba Hydro Fridge Magnet Schedule Giveaway Night - when they put their 4-1-0 record on the line against the visiting Portland Winterhawks at Westman Communications Group Place.

The Wheat Kings, who opened the 2012-13 regular season with four straight wins for the first time in seventeen years, will be playing their first game since dropping a 6-1 decision to the Warriors in Moose Jaw last Saturday.

Friday night's game will be the first of four straight home games for the Wheat Kings, who are currently 2-0-0 at Westman Place after back to back victories over Regina and Saskatoon.

Brandon will host Red Deer on Saturday night, before playing host to both the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans next Friday and Saturday nights respectively. Following Saturday's game, the Wheat Kings will embark on their annual west coast road trip.

While Brandon will be hoping to run their home ice win streak to a perfect 3-0-0 on Friday, the Winterhawks will be out to tighten their early season grip on top spot in the Western Hockey League's U.S. Division. Portland enters the weekend with a record of 3-2-0, good for six points and a two point lead on Spokane, Seattle and Tri-Cities.

Despite scoring just one goal in last Saturday's loss to Moose Jaw, the Wheat Kings lead the league with 25 goals in five games (5 goals / game). However, they've given up 22 which translates to 4.4 goals against per game. Only the Vancouver Giants have given up more per game (4.6).

Three Wheat Kings currently occupy spots in the league's top five scoring race. While Nick Buonassisi (4-5-9) and captain Ryan Pulock (2-7-9) are tied for the league lead with Portland's Nicolas Petan and Colin Jacobs of Prince George, 19-year old Swiss left-winger Alessio Bertaggia is just one point behind with three goals and 8 points.

While Pulock is expected to be a first round selection in the 2013 National Hockey League Entry Draft, the Winterhawks feature 17-year old blueliner Seth Jones. The son of former NBA all star Popeye Jones should be an early first round pick in June.

The first 2,500 fans attending Friday night's game will receive a 2012-13 Wheat Kings' Fridge Magnet Schedule, compliments of Manitoba Hydro. As well, the game will feature the first Canadian Tire Starting Player of the Year as 12-year old Josh Gingras of the Carberry Plainsmen will take to the ice with the Wheat Kings before the game.

The Canadian Tire Starting Player Contest is open to all minor hockey players, ages 12 and under. Fans can enter at Brandon's Canadian Tire store, online at wheatkings.com or at BDO Fan Services at all Brandon home games.

The Wheat Kings will also be wearing their popular Vintage Gold jerseys for the first time this season.

Tickets to Friday's game are on sale now at the Keystone Centre box office. Fans can also order online at www.keystonecentre.com or by calling 726-3555.