Cents Game Day – Merritt vs Wenatchee – Dec 16/21

Date – Thursday, December 16, 2021

Game Time – Puck drop 6:00 pm

Location – Town Toyota Center, Wenatchee WA

Broadcast –Q101 & BCHLTV

Wenatchee Wild – 5-10-4-1

Merritt Centennials – 1-17-1-0

The Wenatchee Wild came into the NVMA on Saturday night, looking for some revenge after losing to the Cents just a week ago.

Early on, the Cents would have a pair of powerplay chances that they failed to convert on.

Then at the 10:16 mark, Ben Ward was sent off for a boarding major and a game misconduct. On the ensuing powerplay, Wenatchee would strike courtesy of a beautiful shot from Garrett Szydlowski.

The Wild would add one more late with Ean Samoza tipping in a David Hejduk point shot.

Colton Phillips-Watts got the start for Merritt, stopping 15/17 in the first frame.

The Wild would come out strong in the middle stanza, utilizing their special teams to increase the lead to 5-0.

The began with a PP goal from Landon Parker, then a shorty from captain Quinn Emerson. Wenatchee would also add an even strength marker in the period.

The Cents would finally respond late in the frame, as Levi Carter banked one in from a weird angle break the Tyler Shea shutout bid. The score 5-1 after two.

Phillips-Watts stopped, 24/29 through 40 minutes.

The Wild would add two more in the final period to win 7-1. Goals coming from Brasen Boser, and David Hejduk, both their firsts in the BCHL.

Following their win Saturday night, the Wenatchee Wild traveled to West Kelowna to battle the Warriors. The Wild would beat West K 4-1, thanks to a 3 point night from Garrett Szydlowski. With the two wins, Wenatchee is now 12 points clear of Merritt for the final playoff spot, heading into the three game set.

Previous meetings;

The Wild and Cents have now played twice this season with both teams claiming one victory at the NVMA. The first game was the first and only win for Merritt a 4-3 OT win in early December. Last weekend Wenatchee leveled the season series with a 7-1 thrashing.

The two teams are beginning a three in three set here tonight from Wenatchee.

Blue Paint Battle;

The game share situation in the Merritt crease has switched drastically as Keegan Maddocks has joined the Kamloops Blazer for a few weeks, meaning John Hicks will be leaned upon heavily by Head Coach Dave Chyzowski.

Hicks is 0-4 with an .867 SV% and a 5.22 GAA.

Colton Phillips-Watts is also back with the team and suited up on Saturday versus Wenatchee. PW is 0-1 with an .831 SV% and a 6.50 GAA.

The Cents have only seen Tyler Shea so far this year. The Wenatchee starter is 4-4-3 with a .889 SV% and a 3.05 GAA. Backup Andy Vlaha is 1-6-1 with a .859 SV% and a 4.00 GAA.

Special Teams Comparison;

Wild – PP 30.9% (2/18) PK 80.0% (8/18)

Cents – PP 9.7% (18/18) PK 66.0% (18/18)