Cents lose Hicks in 4-1 loss to Vernon

The Merritt Centennials came out much stronger on Saturday night in Vernon compared to Friday’s game at home. The Cents would fire on the first three shots of the contest, controlling the early minutes of the game.

However, it would be Vernon scoring first as Zack Tonelli would make a power move towards to the net and bang home his own rebound past John Hicks.

The Cents would then get pinned into their own zone for a stretch, but the defense would stand tall. On a counter attack rush after the 10:00 minute mark, Ben Ward would step over the blueline and beat Ethan David clean to level the score.

Less than a minute later, Cameron MacDonald would follow his own shot and tuck the rebound of the end wall past Hicks to restore the Snakes one goal lead, 2-1 after 20.

Hicks stopped 16/18 in the first period.

On a powerplay early in period number two, Vernon would extend out their lead with Luke Buss scoring off a rebound in front.

A few minutes later, Cade McNelly would crash into Hicks attempting to deflect home a pass. The collision would result in Hicks being forced to leave the game, in his place came Peyton Trzaska for the second game in a row. Hicks stopped 24/27 before the injury.

Trzaska would be strong in relief, but a breakdown on the powerplay would lead to the BCHL leading 21^st shorthanded goal allowed for Merritt as Matthew Culling sniped blocker side.

After 40, Vernon leads 4-1.

The third period would see neither team score, make the final 4-1.

Trzaska stopped 18/19 in relief.

Cents are back in action on Friday night from Chilliwack.