Cents crush Silverbacks 4-1 in final preseason tilt

MERRITT — The fans were on their feet in appreciation of the best effort the Merritt Centennials have put forth so far as a team. The classic stick tap celebration along the glass capped off a dominant 4-1 win for the home side (video below.)

Zach Losier had a goal and assist in the win, his first goal of the preseason. “It felt pretty good to help the team and get the boys all fired up on the bench with a goal or assist or even a hit. Just forechecking hard, got the boys all fired up just a solid game by everyone overall.”

The Cents had arrived just after midnight the night prior, dropping a 3-1 decision in Salmon Arm, a loss that dropped them to 0-3 in the preseason. While the vibes were a little low around a team that hadn’t even experienced a win or lead yet, Losier felt the energy around the team has flipped thanks to the win. “The boys were kind of down the last few days, I think we just came to the rink and reset and put the past behind us. We started fresh, last game heading into the regular season here.”

“I think we wanted to end things on a high note and carry it into the regular season.”

Zach Losier

Goaltender Andrew Ballantyne solidified the starting role Friday with his stellar play, putting in a dominant effort. Ballantyne stopped 28/29 shots and was only 40 seconds away from a shutout. Had he completed the shutout, it would’ve been the third time in four preseason games the Silverbacks were blanked. A concern for the visiting team that has seen a lot of turnover in the offseason.

Head Coach Brian Passmore was impressed with his team’s overall effort, particularly the play of his goaltender. “Ballantyne was very close to the shutout, he made some timely saves. I think it’s safe to say he’ll get the starting role Friday.”

Passmore thought his team did everything right in all aspects of the game. “It was great for the confidence of the guys to get rewarded with a solid effort, I thought since the drop of the puck we were ready to play. Skated really well, forechecked hard and played as a team. We did all the little things right, blocking shots.”

“It’s important for the mental side of things, heading into the regular season on a winning note.”

The Centennials will host the Powell River Kings this Friday at 7 p.m. for the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena Home Opener. They will host the defending champions the Penticton Vees the next night (again at 7 p.m.)