The Merritt Centennials achieved something they hadn’t done since November 23rd of 2019 – pick up a win on home ice, and it came against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 4-2 on a night where they honored Brian Barrett, Merritt’s Mr. Hockey.
The first period didn’t have any goals, but it had some solid physicality with a couple crunching hits from Brody Johnston and Brophy Dunne. The Cents carried the chances, but were unable to convert on a night where they were short 2 bodies up front and 1 on the backend. Tanner Marshall did his part through one stopping all 12 shots he faced, while Grant Adams turned away 14.
In the middle frame, things started to heat up. Despite an early powerplay for the Cents, Salmon Arm was able to tally one shorthanded after a turnover to Luke Mylymok he was able to set up Will Poirier for a breakaway from the blueline and he made the Cents pay with a move to the backhand in tight. The goal came just 2 minutes in to the 2nd, but with 2 minutes left Talon Zakall was able to fire a seeing eye shot through the crowd and find the top corner blocker side to tie the game 1-1 after 40 minutes of play. Shots after 2 were 26-24 Cents.
The Cents were able to use their powerplay to power themselves to victory in the 3rd period. A nifty tic tac toe play was finished off by Evan Benwell after some quick passing from Thomas Manty and Christian Buono. The Silverbacks were able to even the score on a powerplay of their own after a shot thrown wide, bounced off the end boards, then off the heel of Marshall’s skate, and out to Noah Wakeford who was able to tap it home to tie the game 2-2. The Cents earned themselves another powerplay, and Thomas Manty blasted a one timer past Adams to restore the one goal lead 3-2. Late in the game, with the net empty for the ‘Backs, Payton Matsui fearlessly blocked a shot and it came free to Daniel Tkac who fired it down the ice to make it a 4-2 final. Final shots were 37-33 Salmon Arm.
After the game, Head Coach Derek Sweet-Coulter said he was just proud of the boys.
“It was a full effort from everyone that was still out there. They did great, executed on special teams, and executed overall. Solid team first game.”
The Cents will look to continue the good vibes tomorrow afternoon when they unveil their 3rd jerseys against former Head Coach Joe Martin and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
