Rivalries are usually born out of geographic necessity.
Calgary-Edmonton, Calgary-Red Deer ... Calgary-Brandon?
The two cities are hardly close together but, by Friday, there'll be no love lost between the Hitmen and Wheat Kings.
Playing against the same team for three straight games -- in three different cities -- will do that to players.
Wheaties captain Tim Konsorada, whose club will entertain the Hitmen tonight in Winnipeg (6 p.m., AM960 The Fan), said his team is using the trio of games as a post-season tune-up.
"It's almost like playoffs," said Konsorada. "It's good that way, it sets you up.
"It'll be a good test."
Konsorada had a pair of goals as the Wheaties took Game 1 with a 3-2 OT win at the 'Dome on Sunday.
And, if not for a miraculous save by Hitmen goaltender Justin Pogge, the Brandon sniper would have had a hat trick.
"He's a good goalie," said Konsorada.
"You have to keep shooting. Sooner or later, one will go in."
Pogge has made 10 consecutive starts since being acquired by the Hitmen at the WHL trade deadline Jan. 10.
Calgary has gone 7-2-0-1 since his arrival and GM/head coach Kelly Kisio has been unwilling to tinker with the position.
And that's just fine with Pogge.
"I'm not complaining," Pogge said. "I'm getting into a routine and I kind of like it.
"I'd love to keep playing."
Backup Daniel Spence, 16, hasn't played since a 5-3 loss in Moose Jaw on Dec. 17.
There's a good chance the rookie (4-5-2) will see action during the current three-game trip, which continues Friday in Brandon and wraps up Saturday in Regina.
