Cents Game Day – Merritt vs Victoria – Oct 31/21

Date – Sunday, October 31, 2021

Game Time – Puck drop 2:00 pm, Pregame show 1:45 pm

Location – Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, Merritt BC

Broadcast – CKMQ-FM Q101 & BCHLTV

Victoria Grizzlies – 6-3-0

Merritt Centennials – 0-7-0

The Merritt Centennials  are still in search of win number 1 on the season, as they welcome Victoria to the NVMA.

It was all about the powerplay in the opening 20 minutes Saturday night. Prince George holds the best powerplay in the BCHL and they showed why when Blake Astorino went off for a four minute high-sticking minor.

Just seconds into the extra man opportunity PG worked the puck to John Herrington at the top of the right circle, were he wired one top corner past Keegan Maddocks.

The Spruce Kings would add another on the PP when Josh Olson went off for boarding. The Cents were out of position following a big hit, and Simon Labelle found the open spot backdoor to beat Maddocks.

The Cents would strike back late in the first period with Ty Gagno off for interference the puck came to the left point and Jacob Dewitt fired low past Jordan Farlie. The Spruce Kings lead 2-1 after one.

Making his Cents debut was Maddocks in the crease, he stopped 10/12 in the opening frame.

The Spruce Kings would come out flying to start the second period with Nick Rheaume all alone in the slot just 1:19 in was able to beat Maddocks high. Just over a minute later, Jimmy Doyle managed to bang home a rebound to make it 4-1 PG.

The Cents would play better the rest of the way in the second but were unable to beat Farlie. Maddocks stopping 23/27 through 40 minutes.

In the third, PG would strike first as Kolton Cousins crashed the net a bang one home past Maddocks. The Cents would dispute the call, but it would stand.

Merritt would find one more on the night, with Jacksenn Hungle potting his first in the BCHL on the powerplay to make the final 5-2.

Maddocks stopping 34/39 in the contest.

The Cents may be catching Victoria at the right time, as the Grizzlies are at the backend of a Interior road trip. Last night Victoria lost 7-4 to Salmon Arm.

Previous meetings;

The Cents and Grizzlies haven’t played each other since the 2019-20 season due to pandemic.

Blue Paint Battle;

The Cents are still looking for consitency from their goaltending duo. Both John Hicks and Brayden Melynk are 0-3 on the year. Hicks has posted a .837 SV% and a 6.00 GAA. Melynk has slightly better numbers at .882 SV% and a 5.62 GAA. To their credit, both netmiders have been peppered by shots in their games.

Last night, Keegan Maddocks made his Cents debut stopping 34/39 shots in the contest.

Former Centennial Carter Woodside is the starter in Victoria this year. He is 4-2 with a .890 SV% and a 3.32 GAA. Kyle Kelsey is the backup, he’s 2-1 on the year with a .929 SV%, and a 2.35 GAA

Special Teams Comparison;

Grizzlies – PP 26.3% (6/18) PK 68.4% (15/18)

Cents – PP 21.2% (11/18) PK 68.6% (14/18)