The Merritt Centennials played their first BCHL post-season game in three years Friday night against Penticton at the South Okanagan Events Centre and despite a valiant effort, came away with a 4-2 loss to the Vees, who now lead the best-of-seven first round series 1-0.
Denver Manderson led the way for the home squad with two goals and an assist while Joey LaLeggia and Garrett Milan each struck for two points for the Vees. Sean Bonar made 25 saves in goal for Penticton, which went 2-for-6 on the power play.
Alex Valenti and Jordan Soquila each scored for the Cents, with both goals coming in the third period to cut the Vees lead to just one goal, but that's as close as Merritt would get. Jeff Jones assisted on both goals as the Cents top line combined for five points. Keith Hamilton was outstanding between the pipes for Merritt, making 36 saves to earn first star honours. The Centennials wound up 0-for-2 with the man advantage.
The game featured a scary incident when Cents defenceman Steve Tresierra collided with Penticton forward Garrett Milan just inside the Merritt blueline. Tresierra struggled to the Cents bench and didn't play a shift again in the third period. His status for Saturday's Game Two is uncertain.
Game two of the series is a 7:05 pm start time from the SOEC as the Centennials look to even the series at one game apiece. Fans in Merritt can listen to the game live on Q101.
