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Cents Open Exhibition Vs. Vernon

The Merritt Centennials are set to open their preseason when they welcome the Vernon Vipers to the NVMA tonight.

The Centennials slimmed their main camp roster, and now have 30 players vying to make the final roster. Many of those bubble players will be in the lineup tonight as the Centennials coaching staff led by Head Coach Joe Martin and Assistant Coach Brandon Shaw are only opting to dress 6 returning players: Christian Sabin, Matt Kopperud, Rylan Van Unen, Mike Van Unen, Mattias Dal Monte, and Vincent Duplessis.

Up front, Newcomers looking to make a mark on the game include younger brother to the twins Josh Van Unen,  Brett Roloson,  Andy Moore, Brett Pfoh, Ian Tookenay, Bud Johnson, and Affiliate player from last season Frazer Dodd will anchor the energy line between Ben Ward and Brett Witzke.

On Defense, two Merritt natives will see action as Talon Zakall and Atreyu Johnny both continue to impress, and Kielan Toews and Preston Strafford will look to do the same.

Vincent Duplessis will get his first taste of BCHL action in nearly a year, as he returns to the crease after an injury shortened 2017-18 season, and Jakob Gullmes will likely get to experience half the game as well.

Last season the Vipers proved a stiff test for the Centennials as the team managed a 1-5 record against the perennial Interior Division contenders. However, the one win came on home ice and was a resounding 5-0 win.

Head Coach and General Manager Joe Martin says that he expects his players to compete even though there won’t be much of a veteran presence.

“I don’t know what Vernon’s done through camp… Usually the theme is dressing a lot of young guys and not too many veterans. I’m guessing that will be the story from Vernon and from us – possible first year guys in the league surrounded by some veterans.”

The game is the first in a home at home series, with the Cents travelling to Vernon tomorrow to take on the Vipers.

A reminder that season tickets will be available for pick up at the door this evening, and if you get their early between 6:15 and 7pm you’ll get them hand delivered by Brendan Schneider, Nick Wicks, and Joey Berkopec.

If you can’t make it to the game, you can watch online at HockeyTV.com with the Voice of the Merritt Centennials Jared Thomas at 7pm.