Cents Game Day – Merritt vs Vernon – March 25/23

Date – Saturday, March 25, 2023

Game Time – Puck drop 7:00 pm, Pregame show 6:45 pm

Location – Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, Merritt BC

Broadcast – CKMQ-FM Q101 & BCHLTV

Merritt Centennials – 12-36-3-2

Vernon Vipers – 26-21-2-4

Previous Meetings;

The Merritt Centennials and the Vernon Vipers have played each other four times this season. The Cents have won one in this matchup heading into the final meeting.

October 30^th VS Vernon: Cents win 4-2

November 12^th @ Vernon: Cents lose 2-1 OT

December 30^th @ Vernon: Cents lose 4-0

January 7^th @ Vernon: Cents lose 6-3

Over the past five seasons, the Centennials have won five games in 21 chances.

Blue Paint Battle;

Connor Sullivan has taken over the starting job for this Centennials team due to an injury to Johnny Hicks. In 23 games played, Sullivan has a 3-19 record with a 0.863 SV% and a 6.31 GAA. Before the injury, Hicks made 27 appearances putting up an 8-10-3 record with a 0.917 SV% and a 3.53 GAA. Backing up this team right now is Ryder Gregga, who has played in two games, both in relief, with a 0.721 SV% and a 14.52 GAA.

The Vipers have really used a two-goalie rotation throughout the season. Roan Clarke has 31 games played with a 14-12-1 record and a 0.908 SV% and a 2.85 GAA. Ethan David is the other goalie on this roster. He has a 12-9-1 record in 25 games played, putting up a 0.911 SV% and a 2.80 GAA.

Special Teams Comparison;

Cents – PP 16.2% (28/173) *17^th best in the league PK 74.9% (173/241) *18^th best in the league

Vipers – PP 22.1% (38/172) *6^th best in the league PK 85.5% (182/213) *1^st best in the league