The Merritt Centennials came out of Prince George with two points, beating the Spruce Kings 5-2 at Rolling Mix Concrete Arena on Saturday night.
Cents goalie Cole Kehler registered the win with 30 saves while Liam McCloskey also made 30 saves in the loss. Colin Grannary extended his point streak to 16 games, getting a goal and an assist. Merritt moves to within six points of the Vernon Vipers for the final playoff spot in the Interior.
Merritt scored first in the game, Nick Fidanza battling next to the crease to put home his own rebound to open the scoring.
The 2nd period would open up as Mark O’Shaughnessy drove the puck past McCloskey for his second of the year and Merritt’s second of the game. Jarod Hovde added the first for Prince George off a seemingly harmless rebound found its way to Hovde. Hovde scored only two minutes after O’Shaughnessy’s marker, but Colin Grannary would answer back off a Zach Court turnover to retain the two goal lead.
In the 3rd, Chong Lee added a powerplay goal to bring the Spruce Kings within one once again. Mitch Lipon iced the game when Zak Bowles created a turnover and sprang Lipon and Brett Jewell on a 2-on-1. Zach Court would add an empty netter for the final goal of the game.
Merritt plays next this upcoming Friday February 5th against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Puck Drop is at 7pm, pre game begins on Q101 at 6:45pm.
