The Merritt Centennials play host to the league’s best team tonight as they host the Penticton Vees at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena tonight.
Puck Drop at 7:30pm, pre game will begin on Q101 at 7:15pm.
The Cents are eager to get their new players some quality time, as Merritt made a few moves to their lineup on the BCHL Trade Deadline earlier this week. The Cents moved Gavin Gould to the Nanaimo Clippers in exchange for Zach Court as well as picking up Ryan Roseboom from the Chiefs in exchange for Ryan Forbes. Merritt also received future considerations from both teams in the trades.
Penticton is one of two teams who have already secured themselves a playoff spot, the other being the Chilliwack Chiefs. The Vees have 71 points currently this season, best in the Interior Conference, as well as posting a league high in wins with 35.
The Centennials are only six points back from both Vernon and Trail in the Interior, but couldn’t make up a pair of points on January 9th against the Vipers, losing 6-3. Despite the setback Merritt has began playing their best hockey of the season, starting with a 3 game winning streak prior to the holiday break. A controversial loss to the West Kelowna Warriors followed by a loss to the Coquitlam Express knocked some wind out of their sails though.
The teams last played on December 2nd, a road game to Penticton that the Vees won, 5-3. Penticton has won all four of the meetings against the Cents so far this year, although the games have been close affairs. Merritt will have to strive for the first goal of the game, as Penticton is undefeated when scoring first this year (29-0)
Merritt Centennials leading scorer Colin Grannary is still riding an 11 game point streak, which has seen him plot 21 points since December 2nd. He’s also recorded assists in six straight games. For the Vees, Scott Conway has goals in six straight games.
Puck Drop is at 7:30 at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena. Catch pre game starting at 7:15pm on Q101.
