Centennials win pair of exhibition matchups over weekend

The Merritt Centennials kicked off the 2025-26 preseason in impressive fashion over the weekend with a pair of victories.

On Friday night, the second-year KIJHL franchise picked up a 4-1 win at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena over the Osoyoos Coyotes thanks to two-point performances by Troy Horn, Rune Carlson, and Brayden Thurlow.

Then Saturday night, Keegan Sanders had a hat-trick as the Cents erased a 3-1 first period deficit to edge the Kamloops Storm 5-4  at McArthur Park Arena in Kamloops.

The Centennials are back in action on Thursday night when the Quesnel River Rush plays at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena (NVMA)  at 7 p.m.

For the second straight season, Merritt will open the 2025-26 regular season on the road with stops in Quesnel on Friday, Sept. 19, and Williams Lake on Saturday, Sept 20.

The Cents will open their home portion of the KIJHL season on Friday, Sept 26, when the Castlegar Rebels travel to the NVMA for a tilt with the Centennials, kicking off three-in-a-row at home.

The Kamloops Storm visit the Centennials on Sept 27, while on Tuesday, Sept 30, the Cents will honor Truth and Reconciliation Day with a 5 p.m. matchup with the 100 Mile House Wranglers.