BRANDON, Manitoba, Canada (Interstat) — Ilari Kapanen scored twice and added two assists as the Brandon Wheat Kings held off the Saskatoon Blades 5-4 in Western Hockey League play on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, at Assiniboine Credit Union Place. Kapanen was Brandon’s top star. Chase Surkan opened the scoring 1:14 into the first period from Kris Muissu and Kapanen. Brayden Klimpke tied it, but Colin Grubb and Kapanen answered for Brandon. Prabh Bhathal made it 4-1 in the second. Saskatoon’s Hunter Laing, Ben Bowtell and Kazden Mathies scored in the third around Kapanen’s second goal. Klimpke finished with one goal, two assists and six shots on goal, while Cooper Williams added an assist and eight shots. Kris Muissu had one assist and four penalty minutes. Brady Turko added an assist for Brandon. Attendance was 3,630. Brandon improved to 1-0. Saskatoon fell to 0-1. Brandon hosts Regina on Sept. 25, while Saskatoon visits Moose Jaw on Sept. 19.