Brandon, MB. -- A slow start and falling behind by three goals in the third period proved to be too much to overcome for the Brandon Wheat Kings Saturday night as they closed out a 4-game Western Hockey League home stand with a 4-3 loss to the visiting Tri-City Americans.

After outshooting Brandon 14-7 in a scoreless opening period, the Americans grabbed a 2-1 second period lead on goals by Parker Bowles and Connor Rankin.

In the third, Tri-City grabbed a 4-1 lead early when two Brandon mistakes resulted in back to back goals and then hung on for the win to improve their record to 5-3-0-1 on the season.

With the loss - Brandon's second in as many nights - the Wheat Kings record slipped to 5-3-1-0.

Alessio Bertaggia with two goals and captain Ryan Pulock in the final minute of regulation time scored in a losing cause for the Wheat Kings, who closed out this home stand with just one victory in four games (1-2-1-0).

Lucas Nickles and Lukas Walter, with his first ever WHL goal, rounded out the scoring for the Americans, who outshot Brandon 37-31.

The Wheat Kings, who have now lost four of their last five games will be hoping to get back on track this week when they begin a 7-game road trip with games in Medicine Hat and Lethbridge this Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

Brandon's next home isn't until Friday, November 2nd when they play host to the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Tickets to all remaining home games are on sale at the Keystone Centre box office, by calling 726-3555 or online at www.keystonecentre.com