Cents Game Day – Merritt at Chilliwack – Oct. 22/21

Date – Friday, October 22, 2021

Game Time – Puck drop 7:30 pm, Pregame show 7:15 pm

Location – Chilliwack Coliseum, Chilliwack BC

Broadcast – CKMQ-FM Q101 & BCHLTV

Chilliwack Chiefs – 2-2-0

Merritt Centennials – 0-4-0

Last weekend Merritt traveled to Prince George and dropped two contests to the high-flying Spruce Kings. On Friday, the Cents lost 6-3 after a third period comeback fell short.

On Saturday, An early powerplay chance for the Spruce Kings proved once again why PG is ranked first in the BCHL with the extra-man. John Herrington would fire a pass into the slot area, the puck would eventually fall to the stick of Rowan Miller by the side of the net who would fire one past John Hicks.

The Cents would get a powerplay chance of their own in the opening 20 but failed to convert, firing just 5 shots on goal in the period.

In the final minute, Colton Cameron would find Austin Fraser breaking into the Cents zone and he would beat Hicks high blocker side. Hicks stopping 14/16 in the period.

The powerplay continued to play a big role in the second period. First it was PG working the puck around on the PP with Dylan Schives finding loaded Herrington who ripped the 1-timer over the blocker of Hicks.

With just 20 second left in the period, Nathan Fox went to the box for hooking and then with just 5 second remaining in the frame, Talon Zakall fired one on goal, and after the ensuing scrum the puck got poked across the line by Davide Patella for his first in the BCHL.

PG was out-shooting Merritt 27-14 after 40 minutes.

The third period saw PG jump out early with Nick Rheaume finding twine to restore the 3-goal lead.

At the 8:05 mark it was another BCHL first as Connor Farren parked himself in front of the net and beat Farlie to cut the lead again to 2.

Ben Lafranc would add the insurance for PG  only 41 seconds later, as they defeat the Cents 5-2. Merritt falling to 0-4 on the young season.

Final shots 40-19 in favour of PG.

Previous meetings;

The Cents and Chiefs know each other well after facing off ten times in the pod season last year. During the pod the Chiefs went 8-2 against Merritt. Both teams have undergone changes since the pod and will renew acquaintances for the first time this season tonight.

Blue Paint Battle;

Both Merritt goaltenders have started twice this year as Brayden Melnyk and John Hicks battle for the role of starter.

Melynk has the better numbers, posting a .905 SV% and a 4.93 GAA. Hicks has a .831 SV% and a 6.60 GAA. Both netminders are still looking for their first BCHL wins.

The Chiefs have run Grant Riley out for three of their four games this year. The 2002 goalie has a .888 SV% and a 3.35 GAA going 2-1. Their backup is Cole Savage, who is 0-1 with a .808 SV% and 5.06 GAA.

Special Teams Comparison;

Chiefs – PP 33.3% (2/18) PK 81.8% (9/18)

Cents – PP 20.0% (12/18) PK 65.2% (17/18)