Centennials drop two close games in the Kootenays

MERRITT — In one of the longest bus rides of the season the Cents returned to Merritt with 0 points after two regulation losses.

The Cents headed to Trail as the Smoke Eaters looked to avenge a 5-1 loss at the NVMA and did exactly that.

The game started off strong for the Cents going up 2-1 after the first period with goals by veteran Jaxson Murray and CT Larochelle, who had just returned to the line up.

The Smoke Eaters would storm back winning 5-3 as both teams have won two games at home in the season series that is tied at 2-2.

In Cranbrook the next night the Bucks stormed the gates early, going up 2-0 in the first 12 minutes of the game.

Dylan Lariviere would score the only goal of the game for the Centennials, ending a lengthy personal scoreless drought. The Bucks would hang on for a 2-1 victory sending the Cents home winless after the long road swing.

Cents Bench | Madeline Baker Photography

Mezsargs took the loss Friday while Ballantyne was in net Saturday. Ballantyne has now played four straight solid games.

The Cents haven’t won a road game in two months and will host the Smoke Eaters Friday at the NVMA then head back to Trail Saturday in the final game between both clubs.

Merritt will head to Salmon Arm in two weeks then begin a four game home stand, and follow that with five road games in a row.

The Cents are in tough to catch Cranbrook now, who are six points ahead despite playing three more games then Merritt.

Prince George has a game in hand on Merritt and are just three points behind them for 7th place. The Spruce Kings and Merritt play four times in March, that month will likely decide who finishes in the final 8th spot in the playoffs.

Both the Spruce Kings and Centennials likely don’t want to finish 8th as that will line them up with a first round matchup against the Penticton Vees, a team that has dominated them both.

Spruce Kings vs Centennials | Zach Amin Photography