The Merritt Centennials ended their season opening four game losing streak in dramatic fashion with a 5-4 double overtime win in Vernon Tuesday night.
Jeff Zmurchyk scored the winner at 2:20 of the extra session when he crossed the blueline, veered to his left at the top of the faceoff circle and beat Bryton Udy with a wrist shot just inside the post.
The Centennials line of Dustin Johnson, Jeff Jones and Max Vallis led the offensive charge, combining for seven points in the win. Johnson had two goals, including one on a penalty shot, and an assist while Jones notched a goal and an assist while Vallis chipped in with two assists. Regan Soquila continued a hot start to his BCHL career, scoring his fourth goal in five games while Steve Wall also had an assist.
Dylan Walchuk led the Vipers with two goals and an assist, Marcus Basara had a goal and an assist while David Robinson notched a pair of helpers.
Vernon product Tyler Steel, who was the Vipers' last goaltending cut before the season, earned his first career BCHL win for the Cents, kicking out 30 shots. Bryton Udy, making his first start in the BCHL for Vernon, made 19 saves in the loss.
Merritt's power play continued to be red hot, scoring three times on four opportunities, including Johnson's penalty shot, to move into third-best in the BCHL. The Cents penalty killers kept the Vipers to 1-for-3 on the man advantage.
The Centennials next game is Friday in Powell River as they continue a stretch of five straight games away from the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena. Merritt's next home game is Friday, October 1st against the Langley Chiefs.
