March 7, 2011 – Merritt, BC
The Merritt Centennials today announced the availability of season-ticket packages for the upcoming 2011-12 season.
Starting once again in September 2011, Merritt Centennials home games at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena will feature talented players working to join the hundreds of BC Hockey League alumni who have graduated to play at the highest collegiate and professional levels.
Season ticket packages for all 30 home games start as low as $8.33 per game.
In addition to tickets for all 30 Merritt Centennials regular season home games, each season ticket holder also receives an invitation to a VIP meet & greet with the players and coaching staff and the team's post-season banquet, an exclusive autograph session, a chance to win an autographed Centennials jersey, and an exclusive Centennials season ticket holder pin. Season ticket holders also receive priority for playoff ticket sales, first right to renew seats for the 2012-13 season, free admission to all home exhibition games and the opportunity to select a seat in the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena from which to enjoy the entire season of Cents hockey.
Current season ticket holders are able to renew their seats for the 2011-12 season before June 30, 2011 at which time their seats will be released for general sale if not renewed.
To purchase season tickets or for more information, contact Season Ticket Coordinator Karen Webster at (250) 378-2345 or Marketing Manager Rachael Sanders at (250) 378-3604.
“In opening season ticket sales, we're giving hockey fans in Merritt and throughout the Nicola Valley an early opportunity to be part of a new and exciting chapter in this region's rich hockey history,” said Cents president Jerry Canuel. “The family-friendly atmosphere and budget-friendly ticket pricing ensures our fans get a great value for their entertainment dollar as they cheer on their Merritt Centennials.”
Early bird packages for the entire 30-game season start at $170 for children (6-12), $200 for students (13-19) and seniors (60+), and $250 for adults.
More than 200 BCHL graduates have gone on to play in the NHL and countless others have enjoyed careers at some level of professional hockey. Four current and former BCHL players were chosen in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, including one first-round selection. Additionally, more than 185 former BCHL players competed in NCAA Division I ranks in 2010-11.
The task of developing the talent of Merritt Centennials players looking to follow in the footsteps of alumni like Brad Thiessen, Casey Pierro-Zabotel and Brandon Wong belongs to Head Coach/GM Luke Pierce. Pierce?s junior hockey career began with Revelstoke of the KIJHL. He played for the Grizzlies for two seasons before returning to Merritt to suit up for the Centennials from 2001-03. He closed out his three years in the BCHL with the Vernon Vipers in 2003-04 and earned a scholarship to Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. He played five seasons of CIS hockey for the Palladins while earning a Masters of Business degree. Pierce was the captain of his RMC team in his final two years, and was also an assistant coach during the 2008-09 season.
The Nicola Valley Memorial Arena is one of the great ?hockey barns? of British Columbia. Its puck atmosphere is unrivaled, and players and fans alike love both the quality of the ice and the close proximity of the seating. Originally built in 1956, the NVMA underwent a $3 million retrofit in 1996 that saw the addition of first-class dressing rooms, offices, and a grand foyer.
For more information on the Merritt Centennials, visit http://www.merrittcentennials.com. Fans can connect with team by searching “Merritt Centennials” on Facebook or by visiting http://www.twitter.com/merrittcents
