The Centennials hit the road to the coast once more looking for their first win of the season when they drop into face the Surrey Eagles tonight.
The team showed improvement in their 2nd showing of the exhibition campaign last night against a strong Spruce Kings club, and will look to continue the upwards trend tonight against a revamped Eagles roster that’s looking to continue their high scoring ways from the pod season. Both teams will be looking for their first win of the preseason, and only one can come away with the victory.
Last night the Merritt Centennials had an excellent opening period, but couldn’t extend it to the second and third as the Spruce Kings battled back to take the game by a score of 6-2.
It was Alex Ochitwa who opened the scoring in the first frame after settling down a loose puck at the blue line, walking to the high slot and unleashing a wrister that found the top corner. Late in the period, the Spruce Kings started to push back and were able to level the score on a goal from Killian McGregor Bennett. However, the Cents were able to regain the lead before the buzzer with some gutsy work in front from Deegan Mofford to make it 2-1 to end the first. Shots after 1 were 12-8 with Brayden Melnyk getting his first taste of game action of the preseason.
The second period saw the Spruce Kings come to life and slowly take hold of the game. John Herrington added a goal to tie the game at 2’s, and the Cents had the opportunity to swing the game with a 5-on-3 powerplay, but despite some solid puck movement and chances – couldn’t beat Trotter to get the go ahead goal. It would be the Spruce Kings who would find it with a goal from the Captain Cousins to make it 3-2 , and add another from Borovinsky to make it 4-2 after 2. Shots after 2 were 40-15.
In the third, Prince George continued to pour it on and would add another pair of goals to make it a 6-2 final.
The Cents will look to reverse their fortunes tonight in the Eagles nest.
Puck drop 7PM on BCHLTV.ca.
