Cents Host Teddy Bear Toss game tonight against Revelstoke.

The Merritt Centennials are back on home ice tonight when they host the Revelstoke Grizzlies in KIJHL action at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.

The Centennials are coming off a three-game three three-day road trip with wins on Friday in Kimberley (6-5 SO) and Sunday in Creston Valley (3-1). Sandwiched in between those wins was a tight 2-1 loss to Fernie.

“We had a good road trip,” said Cents head coach Wes McLeod. “Anytime you win a game on the road in someone else’s barn is huge.  ”

The Centennials and the Grizzlies have each posted wins against each other this season. On Oct. 17, the Grizzlies edged the Cents 4-3, while the Cents doubled Revelstoke 4-2 on Nov. 7.

“The Grizzlies are a great team,” McLeod added. “They are well coached, with a high-octane offense, so we will have to show a tremendous amount of discipline to stay out of the penalty box.”

The Centennials’ latest acquisition, goaltender Tyler Picha, will get the start tonight for the Merritt after a terrific debut for the team this weekend.

Picha, who was obtained by the Cents from the Grand Forks Border Bruins on November 17,  was solid in his first two games as a Centennial, stopping 66 of 69 shots for a 1.51 goals against average and a .957 save percentage. He earned his first win for the Centennials against the Creston Valley Thunder Cats, stopping 37 of 38 shots in a 3-1 final. Sixteen of those saves came in the first period.

Picha’s performance also garnered him this week’s KIJHL goaltender of the week honor.

The 6’3” goaltender made 10 appearances for the Border Bruins before being traded to the Cents, posting a 5-3 record. Picha also took the loss in the Oct. 3 game against the Merritt Centennials, allowing four goals on 38 shots he faced.

“When I heard I was traded to Merritt, I was excited. I know how passionate the fans are here, so I hope I can give them lots to cheer about this season.”

Tonight’s game also features the Murray Chevrolet Buick GMC Teddy Bear Toss. Fans are encouraged to bring a stuffed toy to the game  tonight, and when the Centennials score their first goal, throw the toy onto the ice, which will then be collected and donated to the Nicola Valley Food Bank.

Murray GM General Manager Marcos Lima also issued a challenge to those attending the game tonight as well.

“If we collect one hundred bears, Murray GM will donate $500 to the Food Bank, ” said Lima. “The organization needs our support and we are standing behind them so let’s make the teddy bear toss fun this year. ”

Lima also noted that he has reached out to a special friend from the North Pole and he may be making an appearance as well.

Game time is 7 p.m. and you can catch all the action on Q101 with Jared Thomas beginning with the pre-game show at 6:45.