Tyler Martin scored in his return to the Centennials lineup but his 2nd period marker wasn't enough, as the Penticton Vees scored 3 times in the final frame to defeat Merritt on Friday night by a score of 4-1.
Martin's goal tied the game at 1-1 late in the 2nd period, with assists coming to Sebastien Pare and Gavin Gould.
Ben Dalpe, Ryan Gropp, Travis Blanleil and Cam Amantea replied for the Vees, who improved to 5-2-0-0 with the win, as the Centennials fell to 3-5-0-0.
Devin Kero performed well in the net for Merritt, stopping 25 of 29 shots. Hunter Miska stopped 20 of 21 for Penticton.
Neither team had many chances on the man advantage, with the Vees going 1-for-3, and the Cents 0-for-1.
Merritt now hosts Cowichan Valley on Sunday afternoon, with a 2:00 PM puck drop set at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.
Tickets are available at Canadian Tire and Cooper's Foods in Merritt.
Check out the full game recap on Dustin Scafe's Centennials blog at www.dustinscafe.blogspot.ca
