Cents’ powerplay can’t covert in 3-1 loss

‘’We haven’t really had a chance to work on our powerplay unit yet. Special teams is going to be a big focus for us this week at practice,’’ said Head Coach Dave Chyzowski post game.

The Merritt Centennials couldn’t convert on six powerplay chances Saturday night and dropped a close affair to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 3-1.

The first period stated out slow with both teams going through a feeling out period. The opening salvo was fired by the ‘Backs’ Noah Serdachny who wired one past Brayden Melynk on the powerplay. The game would remain 1-0 into the first intermission with SA ahead on the shot clock 13-6.

The second period would start with the Cents killing of 3 minutes of a double minor and gaining some momentum from the kill, but it would be Simon Tassy finding twine to increase the ‘Backs lead at 11:26. The Cents would finally find the scoreboard during a stretch of 4-on-4 play when Jacksenn Hungle and Jerzy Orchard broke into the zone 2-on-1, Hungle would drop for Orchard who was stopped on the first shot but wouldn’t be denied on the rebound. The game would head to the final frame 2-1 Salmon Arm.

The third period would see tempers quickly flare with both teams cutting ruts to the box, however neither team could take advantage of the extra-man. With just under 5 minutes left to play Aidan Lindblad would score his first in the BCHL just over the out-stretched pad on Melynk.

Melynk was a star in net for Merritt stopping 44/47 shots on the night, earning second star honours.

The Cents are back in action Friday, October 15 in Prince George to take on the Spruce Kings in the first of back-to-back games.