It took more than two-thirds of the hockey game, but the Merritt Centennials and Cowichan Valley Capitals offenses awoke in the third period, scoring 6 of the games 7 goals in the final 20 minutes.
Merritt wound up winning 4-3 off an exchanging of goals by either team in the final 1:09, as at that mark Myles Powell tied the game, but with :43 left on the clock Scott Patterson put his team back in front as they cruised to victory.
Scoring for the Centennials aside from Patterson was Jeff Wight, Tyler Martin, and Sebastien Pare(who collected his first of the season). Pare and Patterson each finished with a goal and an assist as Wight also added a helper.
Goaltender Connor LaCouvee was at his best for much of the game against his former team, stopping 21 of 24; which included a very sharp glove save late in the opening period. For Cowichan Valley, Francis Marotte made 38 of 42 saves, and for not playing in six starts, looked particularity good for much of the game.
Taki Pantziris got the Capitals on the board with a pair, while Steen Cooper added two assists and Powell also added an assist to his goal.
Both teams received their fair share of power plays, as the Centennials went 2-for-8 on the man advantage and Cowichan Valley went 1-for-6.
The Centennials now have the week off before returning to the game action on Nicola Valley Arena's ice on Friday night as the Victoria Grizzlies are in town for a 7:30 PM puck drop.
Get your tickets at Cooper's Foods and Canadian Tire, or listen to Q101 to win your way in. The Q101 broadcast begins at 7:00 PM with Dustin Scafe.
