Toneff begins crafting Cents roster with half-dozen deadline moves

Monday (Jan.10) is the BCHL’s trade deadline, and the Merritt Centennials have been busy.

New Head Coach and GM Curtis Toneff has only been in charge of the Cents since the Christmas break but is starting to craft his vision of the roster with six more moves on deadline day added to a pair of moves earlier this month.

Toneff’s deadline moves see six new players enter the fold in Merritt with just one heading out.

“Anytime you evaluate your team, I think you start from the crease out, and that was our thinking,” said Toneff. “We started by adding goaltender Jackson Baker from Lincoln in the USHL and finally got him here on Thursday.”

Baker is 1-0 this year in limited minutes with a 3.32 GAA and a .899 SV%.

The AJHL was home to two of Merritt’s newest additions. 2003-born defensemen Geoff Bjarnason and Sam Boldt were both acquired for future considerations. Bjarnason who stands 6’6’’ has 9 points this season (2G, 7A). Boldt has nine points (1G, 8A) this season in just seven games played.

“Bjarnason and Boldt have both been steady in the AJHL this season and will get a bigger opportunity to show what they can bring to the table here in Merritt,” added Toneff.

Nic Remissong, who was acquired in the Talon Zakall deal, has been sent to the Trail Smoke Eaters in exchange for 2004-born forward Jackson Krill and future considerations.  In 16 games this season, Krill has a single goal.

Toneff also hit up his former team in Humboldt, acquiring 2003-born forward Jakob Jones for future considerations. Jones has three points this season (1G, 2A) in 20 games played.

Drew Dornan, a 2004-born forward also joins the team from the Chilliwack Chiefs where he put up two assists in 15 games last year in the pod.

“All three players have a ton of potential and have been in and amongst junior A rosters this season. They will be given legit opportunities to show that they belong in regular roles in this league,” said Toneff.

The deadline is 3:00 pm.