The Merritt Centennials had the game within their grasp once again, but the Smoke Eaters rode another strong third period to a 5-2 victory.
It was another great start for the Merritt Centennials who were on the wrong end of he shot clock, but were able to be on the right side of the score board. Chase Nameth scored with a diving shot that fooled Terness blocker side after being set up by Thomas Manty. Trail quickly answered, but Evan Benwell helped regain the lead with his first in the BCHL. Benwell was set up by AP Kaden Zakall to the side of net, and Benwell showed off his patience outwaiting Terness with a dangle to the backhand to the side of the net and banking it in off the backside of Terness and in. Tanner Marshall started strong in the first and set the tone for the rest of the game with a stack of solid saves. Shots after 1 were 22-6 Trail.
In the second period, the Centennials found themselves on the penalty kill a little more often, but didn’t break until the 5th chance for the Smoke Eaters. Ozar scored his first of the night to tie the game at 2’s. Trail would take the lead late in the 2nd period after a Cents giveaway at the blueline. Shots after 2 were 35-18 Smoke Eaters.
The final frame saw the Smoke Eaters pull away with 2 more goals for Ozar to finish off the hat trick bid. Olson Werenka finished the game with some fireworks by taking on Kyle Pow in a heavyweight tilt and soundly stomped him. Throwing right after right and connecting until he took Pow to the ice. Final shots were 52-28 Trail.
Head Coach Derek Sweet-Coulter said it was another solid effort especially on the penalty kill.
“Top marks to our penalty kill and Tanner Marshall tonight on only allowing 2 on 10 chances, but giving the Smoke Eaters 10 chances isn’t a recipe for success.”
The Cents get set for the rematch on Tuesday against these very same Smoke Eaters in Trail.
