Andrew Ballantyne named BCHL Third Star of the Week

MERRITT — Ballantyne won both of this starts over the weekend, each coming against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, making 77 saves on 79 shots to finish with a .975 save percentage and a 0.92 goals-against average.

The Whitby, Ontario product went the distance on Friday night (February 23rd, 2024) stopping 49 of the 51 shots he faced through regulation and overtime, then denying an astounding 11 straight shootout attempts to lead the Centennials to a 3-2 shootout win on the road. He was named first star of the game.

Centennials celebrate with Ballantyne | Joey Jones Photography

In the second half of the home-and-home set, Ballantyne recorded his first-career BCHL shootout, stopping all 28 shots he faced in a 4-0 win. He was named the game’s first star for the second straight contest.

The 19-year-old owns an 11-10-1 record this year, to go along with a .912 save percentage, good enough for ninth among all qualified goalies.

It hasn’t been all success for Ballantyne in Merritt. After being named starting goaltender to start the season he struggled to hold the role and fell into the third spot behind Karlis Mezsargs and now ex-Centennial Beau Lane.

Ballantyne Warms Up | Madeline Baker

He stormed back to take the starting role and is now a top 10 goaltender in the BCHL.

Ballantyne and the Cents are back in action this Friday (March 1st, 2024) when they finish off a three game set against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, looking to sweep the series.

The Cents then host Prince George and Vernon before heading on a five game road trip. There are only two more home games after the road trip before the regular season ends.

All teams in the Interior qualify for the playoffs, right now the Centennials sit in sixth place and would face Salmon Arm in round one of the playoffs.

Andrew Ballantyne | Madeline Baker