Bad start sinks Cents

Friday night was the final home game of the season for the Merritt Centennials, but sadly they didn’t start on time and West Kelowna took full advantage.

Before the Cents could even muster a lowly shot on goal, the Warriors had scored four times and chases Jackson Baker from the Merritt cage.

At the 1:25 mark it was Chase Dafoe opening the scoring, he would add another in the period as well. Also scoring in the frame was Charles-Alexis Legault and Brennan Nelson.

Following the fourth goal at the 6:38 mark, Peyton Trzaska would take over in the net and keep the scoreline right where it was at 4-0 with 8 big saves.

The Cents would come out much stronger in the middle stanza with Jackson Krill scoring top corner past Justin Katz to put Merritt on the board.

Late in the frame, Tyler Cristall would score after Trzaska lost his glove, the goal would stand, and Head Coach Curtis Toneff would blow up on the refs and get kicked out of the game. According to Hockey Canada the correct call was made.

On the ensuing Warriors powerplay Ben Ward who streak in all alone and get pulled down leading to a penalty shot. Ward would cut right before firing high, Katz getting the blocker on it to make the save.

After two 5-1 West Kelowna. Trzaska stopping 20/21 in relief.

West K would add two more in the final period to win 7-1.

Cents back in action Saturday night from Vernon.