Centennials Acquire 2005 Born Defenseman Matthew Gillard

MERRITT — The Merritt Centennials have acquired 2005-born defenceman Matthew Gillard from the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in exchange for future considerations.

Gillard was born in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and played a lot of his hockey in Northern Alberta and the Cariboo regions of BC before starting his rookie career with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks this season. He has one assist in 13 games in the BCHL.

“We are pleased to be able to add an 18-year-old right-shot defenceman to our lineup,” said Centennials’ Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Brian Passmore.

“Matthew brings a physical brand and style, making him a tough player to play against and someone who will help our defending moving forward. Matthew will get an opportunity to play, and we are happy to have him.”

It’s another move that bolsters the team’s youth movement heading into next season. Passmore has added a plethora of younger players heading into next season. The moves give time for players like Gillard to gel with the team instead of showing up next year and scrambling to get used to the systems and Merritt in general.

The Centennials finish off their homestand next weekend against Trail then Penticton.

Here’s a look at Gillard’s stats;

Matthew Gillard | Eliteprospects.ca