Merritt, BC – The Merritt Centennials are announcing changes to their team and office staff ahead of the 2018-19 season.
Shifting roles will be Assistant Coach Brandon Shaw and Play by Play Broadcaster Jared Thomas. Shaw will now also fill the role of Director of Scouting while Thomas will be joining the front office in the role of Business Operations Manager and will handle marketing, game day operations, and communications for the club.
The Centennials would also like to thank Athletic Trainer Kim Penner for her years of service to the team, but she is stepping down to focus on her upcoming marriage and opportunities outside of Junior Hockey.
Head Coach and General Manager Joe Martin says that Penner was a great team player from day one.
“I’ve known Kim since we recruited her to the Centennials in 2014, and since then she’s been a perfect example of what’s expected in the position. The players were always in great hands, and she was a pleasure to work with on and off the ice. The Centennials will miss her, but we are excited for what the future holds for Kim and her family.”
To fill the void left by Penner, the Centennials are adding two trainers for the upcoming season from the Merritt area: Tyler Wowchuk and Kelly Bartch. Wowchuk, was born and raised in Merritt and is a local Personal Trainer, will join the team as an Athletic Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Coach. Bartch, is a retired RCMP officer who spent the majority of his career in Merritt, and will join the staff as an Equipment Manager and Trainer.
The new trainers will get their first test when Centennials Main Camp opens on August 20, 2018.
