CENTS TRADE ALERT:DEAL SIEMENS & HANTON to COLUMBIA VALLEY FOR MASTERS & VELKER

The Merritt Centennials have pulled off a trade today (Monday, Dec 15), acquiring defenseman Lukas Masters and forward Carter Velker from the Columbia Valley Rockies in exchange for defenseman Ezra Siemens, forward Lachlan Hanton, and future considerations.

In a message from their Facebook page, the Centennials Head Coach and Assistant General Manager, Wes McLeod, said making moves at this time of year is never easy, especially when it means saying goodbye to first-class people like Lachlan and Ezra.

“They were great teammates, great people, and they gave everything they had to this organization.” McLeod acknowledged. “We’re truly thankful for what they brought to our room and to our community, and we wish them nothing but success in the next chapter of their careers.”

Lachlan Hanton was in his first season with Merritt. He had 22 goals in 25 games as a Cent, while Ezra Siemens has played the past two seasons in Merritt, scoring seven points in 47 games.

In return, the Centennials received sniper Carter Velker, who has seven goals and 15 assists in 24 games this season, just one year removed from scoring 21 goals in 2024-2025, while Lukas Masters is in his first season in the KIJHL, scoring 10 points in 24 games.

“It’s our (Centennials management) responsibility to keep pushing toward our goal of bringing a championship to this community,” McLeod added. “We believe adding Carter and Lukas helps move us one step closer. They know what it takes to win in the playoffs, and we’re excited about the impact they’ll have as we head into the most important part of the season.”

This past weekend, the Centennials picked up three out of a possible four points against division rivals.