The Merritt Centennials played a much better game than they did in Friday's season opening 8-2 loss in Trail, but still fell 6-4 to the Smoke Eaters on Saturday at the Cominco Arena.
Dustin Johnson led the Cents with two goals and an assist while Jeff Jones and Regan Soquila, with his first BCHL goal, each notched a goal and an assist in the losing cause. Steve Tresierra also got on the scoresheet with a single assist.
Cullen Bradshaw and Travis St. Denis led the Smokies attack with three points each while Scott Jacklin, Rajan Sidhu, Paul Mailey and Adam Boytinck all had two point nights.
Tyler Steel made his first BCHL start in goal for the Centennials and made 24 saves on 29 shots in the loss. Kiefer Smiley got his second straight start for Trail, kicking out 22 Merritt shots on the night.
The Cents finished 1-for-7 on the power play. The Smoke Eaters went 1-for-4. Shots on goal were 30-26 in favour of Trail.
Merritt's next game is Friday for their home opener at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena. It's Elva Reid Tribute night and the festivities get started with a BBQ sponsored by M&M Meat Shops at 5:30 pm. The opening faceoff is at 7:30 pm.
Game Notes:
- Cents injured forward Dustin Lebrun missed the game with a suspected bruised kneecap, which he suffered on Friday night. He's due to be re-evaluated on Monday.
- Forwards David Sabey and Justin Lachance and defenceman Billy Marshall were healthy scratches for Merritt.
- The Smoke Eaters didn't dress forward Dylan Tappe and defenceman Ben Matthews.
