The Merritt Centennials had another game come down to the final minutes, but unfortunately they ran out of time to make the comeback against the Chilliwack Chiefs and fell by a score of 5-3.
The opening frame continues to be a sore spot for the Cents as the Cents again held the opponent off the scoresheet for the opening 8 minutes, but a turnover led to Chiefs forward Kyle Penney barging down the left wing side cutting to the net and tucking a backhand past Melnyk to open the scoring. Melnyk made more than a few key saves throughout the contest as he showed poise in net on partial breakaways and Grade A opportunities in his first game or practice action in nearly 3 weeks. Unfortunately, it was another turnover in neutral ice that led to another Chiefs goal as Connor Millburn feathered a pass to the slot for a streaking Sasha Teleguine who made it 2-0. The Cents would hold the Chiefs there, but couldn’t capitalize on a late powerplay. Shots after 1 were 14-9 Chilliwack.
The second period saw the Chiefs add another one early off another turnover, as Ethan Bowen was able to pick a pocket behind the net, come out front, spin and fire a shot past Melnyk to make it 3-0. The Cents got an opportunity for another powerplay moments later and didn’t let it go by the wayside as Talon Zakall was able to blast a shot from the point that deflected of a Chiefs defender and found the top corner to make it 3-1. On the ensuing shift Jerzy Orchard won a battle behind the net and then shoveled a pass out front for Carson Preston who roofed it for his first goal in the BCHL to make it 3-2. Unfortunately for the Cents and Brayden Melnyk the Chiefs would restore the 2 goal lead when Lucas Bourdon banked one off the end boards, off the back of Melnyk’s skate and in to make it 4-2. Shots after 2 were 25-23 Cents.
The final frame saw the Cents pushing for the equalizer once more and they were rewarded for their efforts as again it was Talon Zakall through a crowd to make it 4-3. However, this time on the ensuing shift it was the Chiefs who answered as Abram Wiebe found the back of the net beating an outstretched glove of Melnyk to make it 5-3. Try as the Cents might, that would hold up as the final. Shots were 39-32 Cents to finish the game.
After the contest, Head Coach Derek Sweet-Coulter said the Cents had a lot to like about the final forty.
“It was good to see everyone starting to take some steps towards success today. Zakall and Preston had big games, Orchard was looking good. If we can address our first periods I like our chances against Prince George.”
The Cents next in action on Wednesday at 5PM vs PG.
