Centennials look for more consistency as three game road trip begins tonight

The Merritt Centennials have a busy weekend ahead of them, playing three games in three days beginning tonight (Nov. 21)  in Kimberley.

The Cents (18 GP-9W-8L) are hoping this long road trip, the first of the year for the team, will serve as a team bonding experience as they prepare for a busy stretch in the KIJHL, playing ten games in the next thirty days.

“Road trips such as this really bring the guys together,” Cents head coach Wes McLeod. “We have a very close unit right now, but there is something about a long trip that really unites a team.”

A case in point was last November, when Merritt was playing mediocre hockey until a three-game road trip through Castlegar, Nelson, and Grand Forks resulted in three consecutive wins, spurring the team on to a winning record for the remainder of the season.

This November, the Centennials are 3-3, including a 4-2 loss last Sunday to Williams Lake.

The Cents’ line-up has also been decimated with injuries to key personnel, including goaltender Matt Perron, defenseman Jobie Siemens, and forwards Zack King and Kaden Wilkins.

“Injuries are a part of the game. When someone goes down, it’s an opportunity for another player to step up and take advantage of more ice time,” added McLeod.

Following tonight’s contest, the Cents are in Fernie on Saturday for a matchup with the Ghost Riders, then Sunday afternoon, Merritt visits the Johnny Bucyk Arena for a tilt with the Creston Valley Thunder Cats.

Jared Thomas will have the action for you on Q101 beginning with the Super Save Gas pre-game show tonight, beginning at 6:45 p.m.