Merritt Centennials name Henry Acres as new Head Coach of BCHC franchise

The Merritt Centennials will have a new bench boss, when the British Columbia Hockey Conference begins play this fall, following the hiring of former Nanaimo Clippers assistant head coach Henry Acres this week.

Earlier on Friday, Q101 reported that several billets had reached out to us, telling us they had received notification that Wes McLeod and the Centennials had parted ways.

In the memo from Merritt Centennials owner and General Manager Brad Anstey, late Friday, there was no reason given for the coaching change, in fact McLeod’s name was not mentioned in the document at all.

Henry Acres enjoyed a professional playing career in Europe before transitioning into coaching, where he has spent more than two decades developing players and building successful programs.

His coaching résumé includes:

-Former coach at the prestigious Shawinigan Lake School Hockey Academy

-Leading the Kerry Park Islanders to a league championship final,

-Most recently served as Assistant Coach with the Nanaimo Clippers, helping guide the club to the 2025-26 BCHL Finals

“Henry represents exactly what we’re (Centennials) looking for as we continue to elevate our program,” said Brad Anstey, Governor, President and General Manager of the Merritt Centennials. “Our organization has a clear vision for where we want to go. We are committed to building a culture that expects excellence every day, develops players for the next level, and competes for championships. Henry’s experience, leadership, and proven ability to build winning cultures make him the ideal person to lead the Merritt Centennials into this next chapter.”

Acres, replaces Wes McLeod who had one year remaining on his three year contract he signed when the Centennials jumped from the BCHL to the now defunct KIJHL in 2024-25.

McLeod, lead the Centennials to two winning seasons finishing with 51 wins, 28 losses, five overtime loses and four shootout losses in 88 regular season games. The Centennials made the playoffs both season under the tutelage of McLeod, losing to the Revelstoke Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs both season.

In the announcement from Anstey, Acres said he is excited to join the organization and help build a program that the community can be proud of.

“I’m honored to join an organization with such a proud history and exciting future,” said Acres. “I’m looking forward to working with our players, staff, and community to build a culture of accountability, hard work, and excellence. Our goal will be to compete every night while helping our players reach their full potential both on and off the ice.”

The Merritt Centennials welcome Henry and his family to Merritt and look forward to an exciting future under his leadership.

Q101 has reached out to McLeod for his side of the departure, and has had no response as of Friday afternoon.