December 22, 2004 - Brandon, Manitoba - Brandon Wheat King fans received an early Christmas present today with the news that highly touted 18-year old Jakub Sindel from the Czech Republic has agreed to join the club for the balance of the 2004-05 Western Hockey League campaign. A 6' 175 lb center, Sindel (pronounced Shin-dell) was one of Brandon's two first round selections (13th overall) in last June's Canadian Hockey League Import draft. Sindel, represented by Rich Evans of The Sports Corporation, was a second round selection (54th overall) of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2004 National Hockey League Entry Draft in Carolina. A gifted offensive player, Kuba scored fourteen goals and 30 points in 53 regular season and playoff games last season with Sparta of the Czech Republic Elite League. The youngest player to ever record a hat trick in the Czech Senior League, he was nominated for that league's rookie of the year honours last season. In addition to his scoring exploits with his club team, Sindel had three goals and six points - as captain - in seven games at last year's World Under 18 Championships. He was also a member of the National Junior team that competed at last December's World Junior Championships in Finland. Central Scouting Report on Sindel: "A pure offensive player - a sniper with a good selection of shots.surprises goaltenders with shots and odd positions.a good skater.has soft hands and handles the puck very well.very good offensive instincts.uses speed effectively and cam make all his dazzling moves at top speed.can beat defenders off the rush.premiere, top-end talent."