The Merritt Centennials have acquired Jerzy Orchard (01) from the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL.
Orchard joins the Cents once again after his first stint with the team resulted in a bus ride down to Coquitlam, but he never would dress for the game. Orchard’s WHL rights were dealt from the Kamloops Blazers to the Saskatoon Blades on the trip, and he was held out of action.
The Delisle, Saskatoon native appeared in 41 games for the Kamloops Blazers last season registering a goal and 2 assists, and also appeared in 5 playoff games where he recorded one assist. Used in primarily an energy role he also tallied an assist in 11 games with the Saskatoon Blades this season.
Director of Hockey Operations John Stuart says that Orchard is a player he’s excited to add.
“Jerzy is a player I have followed for two years in Kamloops. He brings the things we want in a Centennials player: he’s extremely hard working, has a high hockey IQ, and plays with a little sandpaper. He has a great attitude, has leadership qualities, and is a team first player. The team is very excited to have him.”
Orchard will get his first chance to play in a Cents uniform, again, this weekend against the Spruce Kings and Wild.
