January 1, 2011 – Merritt, BC
The Merritt Centennials kicked off 2011 as they exploded with four second period goals en route to a 5-4 win over the Quesnel Millionaires Saturday night at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.
Rigby Burgart and Daryl DeVries gave Quesnel a 2-0 lead through 20 minutes and Chris Blessing scored on a breakaway against Centennials starter Lino Chimienti to stake the Millionaires to a 3-0 lead midway through the game.
Chad Brears, on a power play, closed the gap to 3-1 Quesnel before Jeff Jones, Max Vallis and Sean Matkaak each scored in a span of 2:07 as Merritt jumped out to a 4-3 lead after 40 minutes of play and spelled the end of the night for Millionaires starter Adam Harris as Bryton Udy came on in relief.
Steve Wall and Derek Huisman traded goals in the third period as the Centennials won by a 5-3 score.
Brent Fletcher, Evan Stack, Blaine Bokenfohr, David Sabey and Brandon Pfiel each chipped in with assists for Merritt in the win.
The Centennials went 1-for-2 on the power play while the Millionaires were 0-for-3 with the man advantage. Merritt outshot Quesnel 36-26.
The Cents next game is Friday, January 7 in Trail against the Smoke Eaters. Game time is 7:30 pm from the Cominco Arena. Fans can listen live on the BCHL website at http://www.BCHL.ca or on Q101-FM in Merritt.
