The Merritt Centennials hit ice ahead of their home opener (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

CENTS FRESH START

‘We are here to win some games;’ Merritt Centennials look to rebound from rough seasons

Sep 23, 2022 | 11:26 AM

MERRITT B.C. — The Merritt Centennials haven’t made the playoffs since 2019, when the team was led offensively by the likes of ‘Game On’ Nick Granowicz and Matthew ‘The Robo Kop’ Kopperud, and backstopped by Austin Roden. As those standouts graduated out of the program, a long rebuild began.

Since that short playoff run, the team has seen four different coaches. When Curtis Toneff was hired last Christmas, he was given something many of the other coaches were not — a chance to properly build his team.

“To be able to bring in our guys and have that half season and then full offseason was very important for us,” said Toneff.

Merritt local Chase Cooke is the longest-tenured player on the roster and has seen the ups and down first hand.

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“The last couple years have probably not been where we want to be. But, this year all the guys are really excited to be in town, everybody wants to get better. They aren’t just here to get better for themselves; they want to play on this team, they want to see us win some games. We want to do something this year. We are here to win some games and make a run at playoffs,” said Cooke.

After winning just three games last year, including their first of the year following the devastating November floods, the Cents have already taken a massive step forward in the preseason, going 4-and-2.

“The feeling a lot different. The team is really close this year. We’ve had a heck of start at 4-and-2. We haven’t had four wins counting exhibition in maybe 2-to-3 years. (We’re) feeling so much better, players are all happy in the room — it’s a good energy. I’m excited for the first game of the season this Friday,” said Captain Davide Patella.

As the Cents look to the future this season they will be honouring their past as they kick of their 50th season in the BCHL at home tonight versus the Cranbrook Bucks.

“Just a lot of excitement around the team, I think guys in the room are starting to believe that we can really be in the mix this year in the BCHL,” added Toneff.