If the Western Hockey League playoffs were to start on the day I wrote this piece (Nov. 19) the Brandon Wheat Kings would face off with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the first round without home-ice advantage.

It's been a bit of a slow start for the team in black and gold as inconsistency has reared its ugly head. As the pressure continues to mount for the Memorial Cup host, I remain optimistic this team will begin to win on a more consistent basis and claim top spot in their division when all is said and done.

I know what you're thinking right now. Lanny, you're crazy! How are the Wheat Kings going to be able to catch the Saskatoon Blades, a team that has points in 11 straight games (as of Nov. 19)?

My answer: It's a long season and last time I checked, a WHL division champion isn't crowned in November.

There are signs this team is beginning to come into its own. If your star players play like star players each night and lead by example — then good fortune is soon to follow. This team is full of star players and they're beginning to shine brightly.

Case in point: Co-captains Matt Calvert and Brayden Schenn are hitting their stride and beginning to dominate each night after getting off to somewhat slow starts.

Calvert is playing as well as he ever has in a Wheat King jersey and was rewarded for his efforts last week by being named the Canadian Hockey League player of the week. Meanwhile Schenn leads the team in scoring.

Defensively, Colby Robak and Alexander Urbom have been as advertised. Both have solid numbers offensively and they continue to shut down the opposing team's No.1 line.

In goal, Andrew Hayes continues to get the bulk of the playing time and has respectable numbers so far this season. He sits tied for third in the league with 11 wins and his 2.84 goals against average has him sitting in the middle of the pack.

Head coach and general manager Kelly McCrimmon is well aware of what is at stake this season and will make the necessary changes if need be. But I believe he is being patient for a reason because he sees what I see — a team on the cusp of realizing just how good it can really be.