Image credit: Merritt Centennials

By Earl Seitz

CJHL coach of year

Former Centennials coach Joe Martin finalist for CJHL coach of the year

May 7, 2019 | 11:50 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Canadian Junior Hockey League announced Tuesday the names of the five finalists for the CJHL Coach of the Year and a familiar name is among the list.

For his efforts in the 2018-19 season, which stands as the third best regular season in Centennials history behind only the legendary Joe Tennant teams of 77 & 78, Joe Martin has been named a finalist for the CJHL’s national award.

In his fourth and final year as head coach in Merritt, Martin led the team to a record of 36-15-0-4, a 24-point improvement from the 2017-18 season, including 12 more wins, to finish in a tie for first place in the Interior Division.

The offensive side of the game flourished under Martin’s leadership, finishing second in the league with 220 goals for and a plus-38 goal differential while also scoring the second-most power-play goals in 2018-19 with 63.

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In addition to the success on the ice, The Centennials were among the league leaders in players committed to NCAA Division I programs with 11, including seven that announced their commitments during the 2018-19 season.

He also served an assistant coach for Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge the last two years, winning gold in 2017 and bronze in 2018.

Martin will be up against other top coaches in the CJHL including: Ryan Papaioannou, Brooks Bandits (AJHL), Jesse Winchester, Brockville Braves (CCHL), Blake Spiller, Portage Terriers (MJHL), Mike Tarantino, Oakville Blades (OJHL),