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Merritt Local Headlines Signings Out Of Camp

For the first time since the 2013-14 season, a Merritt local will be on the roster for the Merritt Centennials.

Talon Zakall follows in the footsteps of Payton Schaefer as the first Merrittonian to make the Cents in five years. Zakall played his hockey last season in the CSSHL for the Yale Hockey Academy Elite 15 squad where he recorded 5 goals, 21 assists for 26 points in 35 games.

Head Coach and General Manager Joe Martin says that they’ve had their eye on Zakall for a while.

“He makes smart plays with the puck, and we always seem to be in a better position offensively when he moves the puck. We noticed that right away in our spring camp back in April, but with a young guy like that you want to make sure they go through the process of how they train, how they come to camp prepared, and how they play instead of just giving him a commitment. I think that Talon has handled that well.”

Martin adds that Zakall brings a lot of different tools to the Centennials.

“I think the first thing that jumps out with Talon is his brain. He’s a very smart, cerebral player with comparisons to Reece Wilcox and the way that he plays. He’s not a bone crushing guy, he’s not a one-dimensional offensive guy, he’s an all around guy who does a lot of smart things with the puck.”

In talking with Zakall, he’s just honoured to be a part of history.

“I’m just going to do what I can to help the team, get on the ice as much as I can, make plays, and whatever I have to do to help the team be better. I like to be an offensive defenseman that jumps up in the rush, but always make sure to get back and shut guys down on defense as well. Growing up in the arena, and getting a chance to join the longest running BCHL franchise it’s a dream come true.”

Zakall joins Daniel Tkac, Nicholas Granowicz, Frazer Dodd, Brett Roloson, and Ben Ward as other players who have made the team out of camp.