Date – Friday, March 25, 2022
Game Time – Puck drop 7:00 pm
Location – Chilliwack Coliseum, Chilliwack B.C.
Broadcast – Q101 & BCHLTV
Chilliwack Chiefs – 31-17-2-2
Merritt Centennials – 3-44-2-2
The Merritt Centennials will finish the season this weekend with three straight on the road. Tonight in Chilliwack, Saturday in West Kelowna and Sunday in Penticton.
The Merritt Centennials came out much stronger last Saturday night in Vernon compared to Friday’s game at home. The Cents would fire on the first three shots of the contest, controlling the early minutes of the game.
However, it would be Vernon scoring first as Zack Tonelli would make a power move towards to the net and bang home his own rebound past John Hicks.
The Cents would then get pinned into their own zone for a stretch, but the defense would stand tall. On a counter-attack rush after the 10:00 minute mark, Ben Ward would step over the blueline and beat Ethan David clean to level the score.
Less than a minute later, Cameron MacDonald would follow his own shot and tuck the rebound of the end wall past Hicks to restore the Snakes one-goal lead, 2-1 after 20.
Hicks stopped 16/18 in the first period.
On a powerplay early in period number two, Vernon would extend out their lead with Luke Buss scoring off a rebound in front.
A few minutes later, Cade McNelly would crash into Hicks attempting to deflect home a pass. The collision would result in Hicks being forced to leave the game, in his place came Peyton Trzaska for the second game in a row. Hicks stopped 24/27 before the injury.
Trzaska would be strong in relief, but a breakdown on the powerplay would lead to the BCHL leading 21st shorthanded goal allowed for Merritt as Matthew Culling sniped blocker side.
After 40, Vernon leads 4-1.
The third period would see neither team score, make the final 4-1.
Trzaska stopped 18/19 in relief.
The Chiefs enter play tonight winners of four in a row, with goal scoring seemingly coming easy. Chilliwack with wins of 6-1, 6-2, 2-1, and 8-2 over that stretch. They are led offensively by Cameron Johnson with 61 points (24G, 37A).
Previous meetings;
The Cents and Chiefs have met once so far this season, way back in October during the BCHL showcase event. Merritt was technically the home team for a 7-3 loss. Chilliwack still has something left to play for this weekend, currently 4th in the Coastal Division with 66 points, the Chiefs could still finish as high as 2nd if they win out and receive a touch of help.
Blue Paint Battle;
John Hicks was forced to leave Saturday night’s game in Vernon after a collision in the crease. Hicks is now 0-15-3 with a .895 SV% and 5.26 GAA.
Jackson Baker is 0-10 with a .855 SV% and a 7.40 GAA after getting an early hook on Friday night at home.
Also joining the Cents for the stretch run is AP goalie Payton Trzaska. The goalie played for the Princeton Posse this season in the KIJHL, posting a 10-8 record with a 3.20 GAA and .914 SV%. With Merritt he is 0-1, 5.17 GAA and a .898 SV%.
The Chiefs are led in the blue paint by Grant Riley, the 2002 born netminder is 24-10-1 with a .907 SV% and 2.51 GAA. The backup is rookie Cole Savage with a 7-7-3 record, .822 SV% and a 3.09 GAA.
Special Teams Comparison;
Chiefs – PP 24.4% (6/18) PK 82.6% (3/18)
Cents – PP 11.4% (18/18) PK 68.0% (18/18)
