Mid Season Report: Merritt Centennials on pace for highest win total in five years.

MERRITT — Brian Passmore joined the Centennials as head coach as a man on a mission.

After a complete overhaul of the roster the results speak for themself.

While a 7th place position doesn’t stand out at first the Cents are on pace for their highest win total in five seasons since Joe Martin led the team to a franchise best 36 wins.

The Cents are also only two points away from snagging that 5 spot from the Trail Smoke Eaters, and when it comes to plus/minus the stats suggest Merritt could make a push and in more of a “deserved” standing.

Standings | BCHL.ca

They have beaten many top teams this season, Alberni Valley, Victoria, West Kelowna twice, Nanaimo. The Cents can take you down if you underestimate them.

It’s a quick turnaround since Passmore has basically had to turn a consistent basement dwelling team into a competitive team in the tough Interior Conference.

While there is plenty of improvement Passmore is building for the future, next season promises to look even better.

Some stats that stand out are the fact the Cents are Top 5 in Powerplay and Penalty Kill numbers. It can be argued the Cents deserve better than their record suggests, a second hand push could cement that narrative.

Cents Celly | Joey Jones Photography

Merritt has only been blown out in one game, the second game of the season a 6-0 loss to Penticton.

Since then the roster has seen a lot of different faces as the league knows this year’s team will give you a run for your money game in and game out.

The Centennials still have half a season to write their own story.

Heading into the break on a two game winning streak bodes well as they prepare to face off against Coastal teams coming back from the break. Merritt is 4-1-2 with points in 6 of 7 games against the Coast.

Their opponents in Surrey and Chilliwack will be no slouch however, Surrey is 11-1-1-0 at home and Chilliwack is clicking at the right time.

The Cents visit Surrey December 29th after the break then host the Chiefs two days later for a matinee New Years game at the NVMA at 2 p.m.

Cents Bench | Joey Jones Photography