The Merritt Centennials announced on Tuesday the signing of forward Ethan Skinner for the 2016-17 season.
Skinner comes to the Cents from the Elmira Sugar Kings of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. In 49 games with the Sugar Kings last season, the 18-year-old had 24 goals and 60 assists for 84 points. He was fourth overall in assists and fifth overall in points in the GOJHL. Skinner’s point totals were the highest in the league among all players under the age of 19.
During the 2015-16 season, Skinner notched at least a point in 38 of the Sugar Kings 49 games, including an 11-game point streak which saw him tally 21 points (five goals, 16 assists). He added three goals and seven assists in 11 playoff games.
Skinner was also a GOJHL Midwestern Conference Second-Team All-Star, participated in the GOJHL Top Prospects Game, and named GOJHL Midwestern Conference Offensive Player of the Month for January 2016.
“We are happy to add Ethan to our team. He’s had a couple of very good years in Elmira, where their staff has done a great job,” said Cents GM and Head Coach Joe Martin. “This past year was unique for him in being able to join Trenton in the OJHL playoffs and RBC Cup. We look forward to seeing what he can do with our group.”
Skinner’s 2015-16 season was highlighted by being signed as an affiliate player for the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Trenton Golden Hawks. He joined Trenton after his season with Elmira was done and had two assists in six OJHL playoff games, helping the Golden Hawks win the Buckland Trophy as OJHL Champions.
Additionally, he had a goal in two games at the Dudley-Hewitt Cup as the Golden Hawks won the Central Canada Junior A Tournament and the right to play at the RBC Cup Canadian Junior A Championship. Skinner didn’t play any games for Trenton at the RBC Cup, but was able to see what it takes to get to that level in junior A hockey.
The Kincardine, Ontario native played 48 games for the Sugar Kings in 2014-15, finishing with 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points. He added six goals and four assists in 12 playoff games as Elmira was a semifinalist for the GOJHL’s Sutherland Cup championship.
