Cents Game Day – Merritt vs Wenatchee – March 17/23

Date – Friday, March 17, 2023

Game Time – Puck drop 7:05 pm, Pregame show 6:45 pm

Location – Town Toyota Centre, Wenatchee USA

Broadcast – CKMQ-FM Q101 & BCHLTV

Merritt Centennials – 12-33-3-2

Wenatchee Wild – 25-22-1-2

Previous Meetings;

The Merritt Centennials and the Wenatchee Wild have played each other four times this season. The Cents are yet to win in this matchup heading into the final meeting.

November 4^th @ Wenatchee: Cents lose 5-4 OT

February 3^rd VS Wenatchee: Cents lose 4-3

February 25^th VS Wenatchee: Cents lose 3-1

March 10^th VS Wenatchee: Cents lose 13-0

Over the past five seasons, the Centennials have won six games in 21 chances.

Blue Paint Battle;

Connor Sullivan has taken over the starting job for this Centennials team due to an injury to Johnny Hicks. In 20 games played, Sullivan has a 3-16 record with a 0.867 SV% and a 5.94 GAA. Before the injury, Hicks made 27 appearances putting up an 8-10-3 record with a 0.917 SV% and a 3.53 GAA. Backing up this team right now is Ryder Gregga, who has played in one game with a 0.696 SV% and a 13.88 GAA.

The Wild have really used a two-goalie rotation throughout the season. Andy Vlaha has 31 games played with a 14-13 record and a 0.900 SV% and a 3.04 GAA. Owen Millward is the other goalie on this roster. He has a 11-9-1 record in 25 games played, putting up a 0.892 SV% and a 3.39 GAA.

Special Teams Comparison;

Cents – PP 16.7% (28/168) *16^th best in the league PK 74.9% (164/219) *14^th best in the league

Wild – PP 22.1% (43/195) *6^th best in the league PK 79.1% (129/163) *7^th best in the league

Players to Watch;

Defenseman Kyle Isenberg has become an important versatile player on this Centennials team. Last game against the Penticton Vees, Isenberg played forward for an injured filled team and grabbed an assist up front. On the season, the steady defenseman has an even ten points (3G,7A).

The captain of the Wild, Cade Littler is coming into this game on fire. Through the three games in the month of March so far, Littler has scored twice while adding in seven assists for nine points.