The Merritt Centennials are proud to announce two new commitments out of their Fall Evaluation Camp both forwards in Josh Olson (01) and Nolan Wall (02).
Olson has cut his teeth in the KIJHL for the last 3 years with the Sicamous Eagles, Revelstoke Grizzlies, and most recently with the Princeton Posse. A 6’1″, 195 pound, right shot forward, the Salmon Arm native plays in straight lines and has been an affiliate with his hometown Silverbacks for the last two years getting into 6 games and adding 2 assists. In the KI this season, Olson recorded 13 goals and 17 assists during 35 regular season games before upping the ante in the playoffs where he scored 3 goals and 2 helpers in 6 games. In addition to his offensive output he won the Posse’s Hitman Award (for delivering the most hits) and the Coaches Award.
Head Coach Derek Sweet Coulter says that Olson has an edge to his game and he’s had a taste of the BCHL.
“A kid who has some BCHL experience with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks last year as an affiliate. A heavy player, physical, and good skills.”
Wall, who hails from Abbotsford, has spent the last 3 seasons playing with the Fraser Valley Thunderbirds of the BC U18 AAA league. While a year younger than Olson, he’s comparable in size at 6’0″, 195 pounds, and another right shot to add to the mix up front. In 37 games with the Thunderbirds Wall recorded 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points during the regular season before playoffs were unable to begin because of COVID 19.
Coach Sweet-Coulter says that Wall will be responsible defensively while also not being afraid of banging bodies.
“Great kid, played about 10 games with Coquitlam last year. Plays a real hard 200 foot game, he’s physical, and he’s a right handed shot which is something we’ve been looking for.”
The Centennials would like to welcome Josh, Nolan and their families to the team and the Nicola Valley.
With the fall evaluation camp concluded, the Cents will look to announce a few more commitments before the all players report to training camp in mid-September.
