The Merritt Centennials are proud to announce they’ve committed to Forward Carson Preston (01) of the Aldergrove Kodiaks (PJHL).
The Langley, BC native is another player who relies on speed, skill, work ethic, and compete as he comes in at 5’7″ and 160 pounds. Preston started off the 2019-20 campaign with a very strong Revelstoke Grizzlies (KIJHL) club that had a strong nucleus of returning players from their Cyclone Taylor Cup championship. In a limited role, Preston put up 4 points in 13 games before making the move to the Aldergrove Kodiaks of the PJHL. After joining the Kodiaks, and getting more of an opportunity on the depth chart, Preston’s numbers sky rocketed where he put up 15 goals and 10 assists for 25 points in 21 games. Preston also was a huge factor in the abbreviated playoff run for the Kodiaks putting up 7 goals and 6 assists in 9 games on the teams march to the PJHL Championship series against the North Vancouver Wolf Pack before the season was cancelled due to Covid-19. Fans will also remember Preston from the exhibition season last year, where provided some offense before being one of the final cuts.
Preston says that playing for the Centennials and in the BCHL has always been a dream of his.
“It’s always been my goal to play in the BCHL. Growing up I’ve spent my summers at Nicola Lake and Merritt has become a second home to me in the off-season, I can’t wait to make it my home during the season. I went to main camp last year and everybody in the organization and in the community was great to me.”
Director of Hockey Operations John Stuart says that Preston is a player he’s followed for a long time, and knows he will fit the Centennials core beliefs.
“Carson is a player I have known and followed for 10 years. I know his character, his work ethic, and his values and that he will bring them day in and day out to the Merritt Centennials. Carson is a student of the game and is constantly striving to learn and develop. He’s a team first player that is happier for team success than his own. This past season Carson showed he has great leadership, talent, work ethic and above all that he’s a good teammate. He is exactly the type of player the Merritt Centennials are looking for moving forward.”
Preston says that he brings a number of tools to the table, but a few stand out above the rest.
“I plan on using my speed, offensive skill, and tenacity to help the Cents however I can.”
Over the off-season Preston plans to put the work in to be ready to join the Cents.
“I will be working a lot on my speed, and spending a lot of time in the gym working on my size and strength.”
The Centennials would like to welcome Carson and his family to the Nicola Valley and the community, and look forward to seeing him on the ice next season.
