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Cents downed by Rivermen 4-3

The Merritt Centennials were bested by the Langley Rivermen 4-3 in double overtime Friday Night, as they were able to collect a single point in their push for the playoffs.

Rivermen goalie Nickolas Trenciasky made 21 saves in the win, while Cents goalie Cole steered aside 27 in the loss.

The Merritt Centennials were unable to keep their momentum from Wednesday nights win going, although they still pick up a point. Merritt now sits at 37 points, 8 points back from the final playoff spot in the Interior Conference. The Cents are chasing the Smoke Eaters and the Vipers – Trail lost to Penticton, but Vernon won against Salmon Arm tonight.

The Centennials gave up the first goal in the game to Torrin White, a shot from the front of the net set up by Cameron Ginnetti. Merritt would fight to a tie in the 1st however with Zak Bowles putting home a Tyler Ward feed from the wing.

Merritt’s Brett Jewell scored on the power play early in the 2nd period to give them the first lead of the game. The Cents would work at protecting the lead but would give up four powerplays through the next two periods.

The Rivermen were able to tie the game 11 minutes into the 3rd period. Max Kaufman’s 16th goal of the year came from Matthew Graham and Justin Fregona. But a Mitch Lipon interception would lead to Henry Cleghorn’s 5th of the year to give the team the lead back. Merritt would fight for another but a turnover in their own zone led to Torrin White’s second of the game, to tie the game at 3.

With no answer in the 1st overtime period, the game would continue into 3-on-3. Merritt had a few very close chances but the answer would come with Matthew Graham 48 seconds into the frame.

The Merritt Centennials play next on Saturday January 30th, in Prince George to face off against the Spruce Kings. Puck Drop is at 7pm, pre game begins on Q101 at 6:45.