Damon Jugnauth and Centennials poised for the Preseason

MERRITT — The Merritt Centennials wrapped up their final day of camp Tuesday, September 5th. Returning forward Damon Jugnauth is looking forward to a bounce back year after an injury limited his playing time last season.

“I didn’t really get to play much last year, I was dealing with that knee injury. I got surgery back in December so I missed a good chunk of the year, but I’m pumped to be coming back. It’s my 20 year old season, so I’m ready to give it a good shot.”

Being one of the only returning players, Jugnauth sees a positive change in and around the team.

“With all the new guys we have a really good group here, I think we can do something special this year. We’ve done a pretty good job recruiting from the Boston area. It’s nice to see international imports, we’ve got a kid from Latvia and Czechia this year, they’re looking good. Off the ice too, they’re great guys. Everyone has been super friendly and welcoming.”

Jugnauth started his BCHL career with the West Kelowna Warriors, a team the Centennials will host in their first two preseason games.

“You never really give up the bad blood from teams you came from, preseason is exciting. Camp hockey is kind of chaotic, this week of practice will help us get our structure going. It’s been a while for me personally- since I’ve been in a structured game. I’m looking forward to it.”

Jugnauth is entering his twenty year old season, he wants to win in Merritt and he knows the fans have gone through tough times the last couple of seasons.

“It’s my last year, and the team and the town have had a couple of tough years. For this year, I really wanna be winning, that’s what we all came here to do- win hockey games. It starts with the little things, playing hard in practice and just coming to the rink with a purpose.”

he is determined to finish strong in his final year of junior hockey.

“It’s kind of personal for me, this year. Dealing with that injury. I wanna prove it to myself that I can come back from this and be an effective player. I’m really looking forward to it.”

The Merritt Centennials will practice this week, then they’ll kick off the preseason by hosting the West Kelowna Warriors Friday, September 8th at 7 p.m. Game day broadcasts will commence when the regular begins September 22nd, when the Centennials will host the Powell River Kings in their home opener.