Photo Credit: Garrett James
The Merritt Centennials had to change something after falling two games in a row. They changed the lines, they committed to defense, and they shut down the Victoria Grizzlies to win 4-2.
It didn’t take long for the new lines to click as Mathieu Gosselin converted just 12 seconds into the game with new linemates Nick Wicks and Matt Kopperud. His shot beat Kurtis Chapman blocker-high, but the Grizzlies would answer on the powerplay mid-way through the first. Carter Berger scored from the line to level the game at 1, and that would be how the first would end. The scoreline was tied at 1’s as well as the shots at 13. Vincent Duplessis made his first start in 6 games, as he was coming off a night of relief against the Penticton Vees.
The second period started out on a strange note as a shot on a two-on-one slid its way under the post, or just inside it. The refs didn’t see it go in, the goal judge didn’t see it go in, but the refs ruled it a goal anyways and Charlie Campbell got credit for it. The Cents showed resilience by fighting back in the game. Brad Cocca drew a tripping penalty from goaltender Chapman, and then scored on the powerplay with some strong work in front to tie the game at 2. Cocca would get the go ahead goal after receiving a no-look behind the back pass from Nick Granowicz to make it 3-2. After two the shots were 29-28 in favour of the Cents.
In the final frame, Mathieu Gosselin gave the Cents some extra insurance with some slick moves on a partial breakaway, deking forehand and then swinging backhand to beat an outstretched Chapman to make it 4-2. The Cents would use quality team defense, discipline, and good goaltending from Vincent Duplessis to hang on for the win. Final shots were 39-36 in favour of the Grizzlies, as Vincent Duplessis picked up his first win in his return to the starting role.
After the game, Head Coach Joe Martin said the Cents could use this same effort in games ahead.
“This is the way we need to play to be successful. We might not score quite as many goals, but if we commit more to defense, we will find ourselves on the right side of games more often than not.”
The Cents will next get a chance to show off their new look lineup against the Penticton Vees next Friday at the SOEC.
