SWK - Press Release

First off, congrats to Glen for using all the players I lent him to win the
championship, now I'd like them back... 

Glen was one of only a small number of GMs who were active over the season (or
at least open to legitimate trade discussion), so his victory is a sign of his
attention and design, which makes it impressive and deserved.  Congratulations
also to Matthew who nearly made it back-to-back.


Wheat Kings Prepare for Offseason

With the Wheat Kings having a solid, young core in place for the first time in
their history, they enter the off-season not looking to make many drastic
changes.  The team's objective will be to look for some improvement through the
draft, free agency, and minor deals, but in general to let this group develop
together. 

Prior to the beginning of the playoffs, where the Kings put up a scrappy fight
against the Sioux succumbing in seven, the Kings named Josh Hennessy the team's
captain, replacing Daymond Langkow who was dealt midseason.  Hennessy was
perhaps the best news of last season, not only taking the lead of the team on and
off the ice, but also finding a grove late in the season with super-sniper
Dimitri Kazionov.

Forwards
Nik Bergfors and Byron Bitz are penciled-in to roster spots next year, Kazionov
will likely exceed his league-leading 46 goals riding shot-gun to Hennessy, and
Steve Bernier will anchor the team's second line.  Mat Ritola and Eric Fehr
provide solid depth.  With a decent group of about seven players, the team needs
to pick-up another forward or two.  Kyle Chipchura, Mark Bell, Rico Fata, Lubos
Bartecko and Brad Larsen could all make the team in some capacity.
In general, priority will be given to youth, but where there is no one ready
the Kings might look to free agency. 

Defence
The Kings seriously need to find another top four d-man without subtracting
from the team, which may prove a tricky proposition.  Duncan Keith may or may not
be a number one d-man, Mark Stuart is a solid #2/3, and Cam Barker is looking
like a great addition as a #4 man.  John Adams will manage as a fifth with the
aging but reliable Mike Rathje and Slava Suchy rounding out the core.

Goaltending
Jamie Howard is now the team's number one and will probably get the job this
year as he develops.  Kevin Weekes is slotted right now as the back-up, however
the Kings will probably look into getting another goalie since the combo of
Howard and Weekes is not exactly invocative of confidence.

Draft
Drafting 10th overall, the Wheaties have their highest pick since the distant
days of the old TFHL.  Since the Kings need both forwards and defencemen, they
will probably pick-up a player of any position who catches their fancy.  With
only two first rounders in four years (including the old TFHL, four picks in
eight years), the Kings have still done quite well at the draft table: Bernier was
their first round selection in TFHL14 (13th overall) and Bergfors in TFHL15
(12th overall), both are core players and slotted into the team's top six
forwards.

Free Agency
The Kings have over 25 million dollars to spend this year, although don't
expect any more 15 million dollar additions like last year's Peter Forsberg, rather
the Kings will be looking to add some depth players if needed.