Merritt, BC – March 1, 2011
Mike Hammond had two goals and an assist as the Salmon Arm Silverbacks held off the Merritt Centennials 6-5 to sweep their B-C Hockey League first round Interior Conference Quarterfinal in four games on Tuesday night at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.
Brett Knowles and Devin Gannon had a goal and an assist each while Jayson Reardon and Clinton Atkinson each chipped in with two assists as Salmon Arm took a 5-2 lead in the second period. Brad Reid also notched a single marker for the Silverbacks (4-0) and Paul DeJersey scored the winner for the second straight game at the 4:03 mark of the third period.
Jeff Jones and Evan Stack both led the way for Merritt (0-4) with a goal and an assist each as the Cents scored three times in the second, but fell short in the end. Reece Willcox, Chad Brears and Brandon Pfeil also scored for the Centennials while Brent Fletcher had an assist in the loss.
Kris Moore made 25 saves for Salmon Arm while Lino Chimienti stopped 11 shots for Merritt after relieving Tyler Steel at the 13:44 mark of the second period. Steel finished with 21 saves on 26 shots.
The Centennials did win the special teams battle, going 1-for-2 on the power play and limiting the Silverbacks to 0-for-6 on their man advantages.
The entire Merritt Centennials organization would like to thank all the fans, corporate sponsors and partners, and volunteers for their support throughout the 2010-11 season and the team looks forward to working with you once again next year. A special thank you and good luck to our four graduating players – captain Steve Tresierra, Jeff Jones, Blaine Bokenfohr and Jon-Paul Witkop.
