The Merritt Centennials have added another player to the roster: Payton Matsui.
According to Head Coach and General Manager Joe Martin, Matsui is a player they’ve had their eye on for a while.
“We recruited Payton back in the spring last year, and committed to him them, but being American we wanted to see where he ended up. He’s spent time with Central Illinois this season, but he made the decision to come here and approached his staff in the USHL to be moved to the Centennials.”
Matsui, who hails from Lakeville, Minnesota, was a big time producer in the USHS with St. Thomas Academy last season scoring 26 goals and 28 assists for 54 points, or 2.16 points-per-game. He’s also spent some time with the Flying Aces of the USHL this season netting 2 goals in 13 games.
While he boasts a significant point pedigree, Coach Martin says he expects a complete game from Matsui.
“He’s another piece that makes us a bit deeper at two ends of the rink. I know that he’s a guy that will be able to add some offense, but he’s not coming just for that.”
Fans will get their first look at Matsui in a Centennials uniform on Friday night against the Vipers.
