GAME DAY: Chilliwack Chiefs – (15-11-1-0) @ Merritt Centennials (11-14-3-1)

Merritt Centennials – (11-14-3-1) 

The first game back from the break was a solid start for the Cents, outshooting the Eagles 12-11 to start the game. The Eagles would run away with the 2nd and 3rd periods outshooting the Cents 36-28. The Cents have given up 38-40 shots consistently and will have to be more careful around the front of their net if they expect to steal a victory tonight and not end the year on a 2 game slide. Merritt has points in 6 of 8 matchups against Coastal teams. We’ll see if they can do that tonight.

Chilliwack Chiefs – (15-11-1-0)

After starting the season 7-9-1-0 the Chiefs are on fire going 8-2-0 over their last ten games. Chilliwack ended the Eagles undefeated streak to start the season and have been feasting on the BCHL. They’re on a 3 game winning streak and look to run end 2023 with a victory in Merritt.

Previous Meetings;

The Chiefs are 12-2-0-1 over the Cents the last 5 seasons but Merritt did steal an overtime win last season against the Chiefs.

Special Teams Comparison;

Cents –      23/99    (23.2%)  (5th) PK 22/88  (80.9%)   (5th)

Chiefs –      20/88    (22.7%)  (7th) PK 22/88 (79.4%)   (9th)

Players to Watch;

All Star Michael Felsing was a bubble player at the beginning of the year, well look at Felsing now. Felsing went into the break on a heater with 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points in 5 games. He has recorded a point in all but five games. 

Andrew Ballantyne has put a .921 save percentage or better in five straight games putting his save percentage at .902 on the season with a GAA of 3.56 which proves he can keep his team in any sort of game. 

For Chilliwack Mateo Mrsic is on a hot streak with 2 goals and 4 assists for 6 points in 4 games. Mrsic has 25 points which leads the Chiefs. Milburn, Morse and Kinch also have 20-21 points. 

Keys to the Game:

Key number 1 – Shots on net. The Cents have to start limiting the scoring chances against if they are going to have any hope of putting together some wins and reclaiming the 6th spot in the BCHL Interior Conference. The goalies are simply dealing with too much.

Key Number 2 – Home cooking. The Cents have to use home ice to their advantage. They are not the ones coming off the bus trip, they are the ones that should have their legs under them. Merritt has bounced back well from losses in the past so they will have to do that again today.

Key number 3 – Play a fast and physical game. The Chiefs are a big team that uses their size to their advantage. Merritt has size and will have to play to their size if they want to match the physical intensity of the opposition. The Centennials need to bring the pace and bring it fast.