Centennials have defending champions on the ropes

KAMLOOPS — The defending RBC Cup national junior “A” champion West Kelowna Warriors are one loss away from elimination in the first round of the B.C. Hockey League playoffs.

Tyler Ward scored twice while Nick Fidanza had a goal and set up three more in the Merritt Centennials 6-2 win over West Kelowna, for a 3-0 lead in the best of seven.

Ward, who is from Kamloops, has six goals in three games to lead the league in playoff scoring.    He is the grandson of four time B.C. men’s curling champion Barry McPhee.

The Centennials have a chance to put the cap on the first round series when they host game four tonight at Nicola Valley Arena.