Cents Bona, Lawless earn KIJHL honors for top performances

Two members of your Merritt Centennials have earned top honors from the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL)  for their outstanding performances in recent weeks.

Defenseman Gairen Bona was named to the KIJHL’s team of the week. Bona had a goal and two assists to help them earn consecutive wins against the Sicamous Eagles, 8-3 and 4-3 in a shootout. In the shootout win, he scored the opening goal. Bona was also a rock on the blueline for Merritt with a +4.

Meanwhile, sniper Noah Lawless was named Rookie Star for December.

The Mission native collected 12 points in six games, including a game-winning goal against Princeton on Dec. 12 in a 5-2 win. He also scored an insurance goal in a high-scoring 12-6 win over the Kelowna Chiefs on Dec. 20, showcasing his ability to produce in key moments.

Lawless finished the month +11 while averaging 17:09 of ice time per game. He now leads all KIJHL rookies with 42 points in 29 games.

The Centennials return to the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena (NVMA) on Friday night when they host the Spokane Braves, looking for their fourth straight win.

Friday’s game is also Centennials Minor Hockey Night. If you are 18 or younger and wear your Merritt Minor Hockey or NHL jersey to the game, you’ll get in free.

Merritt sits fourth in the Bill Ohlhausen Division of the KIJHL with a 15-11-2-1  while Spokane boasts a record of 9-19-1-1 and also sits fourth in their division.

Game time is 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Jared Thomas and Roger White will have the action for you on Super Save Gas Cents hockey beginning with the pre-game show at 6:45 p.m.