The Merritt Centennials made their second trip to OT in as many nights, but this time they wouldn’t play the victim, as Jackson Munro rifled a shot top corner to propel the Cents to a 4-3 victory over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
The Cents got off to a strong start, and a forward who has been all over the ice since he’s joined the team finally scored his first goal in the BCHL. Payton Matsui streaked across the right wing side before picking the far-side past the blocker of Ethan Langenegger to make it 1-0. He’d follow that up with a bit of a lucky one at the 8:04 mark of the first, banking it off a defenders skate and in to make it 2-0. The Cents and Silverbacks would trade chances on the powerplay, but the only goal on special teams on the night would come from the Cents shorthanded. Nick Granowicz drove wide with speed, then tried a wrap around and found Bradd Cocca out front and the leading scorer made no mistake giving the Cents the 3-0 edge through the first. The Cents outshot the Silverbacks 10-5 in the first, with Austin Roden having a clean sheet through one.
In the second it would be the SIlverbacks turn to turn up the heat. Nick Unruh would score just 2 and a half minutes into the second, and Andy Stevens would add another later in the frame. Stevens threw a shot on Roden as he crossed the blue line and Roden got a big piece of it with the blocker, but it rolled over and in to bring the Silverbacks within 1. The Silverbacks threw everything on net to out shoot the Cents after 2, 27-20.
The Silverbacks and Cents would both play strong in the third, but the Backs would pull all the way back and tie it at 3’s with 5 minutes left. Matthew Verboon bullied the puck across the line.
In OT, the Cents dominated, and were rewarded. Mathieu Gosselin worked the puck up to Nick Wicks, and then it found it’s way to Jackson Munro who blasted a shot upstairs to play hero and give the Cents the 4-3 win.
With the win the Cents keep pace with the Penticton Vees, but will remain in second place.
Energy Player of the Game – Brendan Schneider
3rd Star – Andy Stevens: 1G
2nd Star – Payton Matsui: 2G
1st Star – Jackson Munro: 1G, 1A
After the game, Head Coach Joe Martin said that Munro brings something special to the club.
“Jackson just brings an all out positivity to the bench. He brings the team up when they need it. He’s coachable and always ready to take advice. He’s been great since returning to the line up.”
The Cents will have another long road trip ahead when they face the Prince George Spruce Kings on Wednesday.
