Image credit: Merritt Centennials

By Marty Hastings

BCHL

Merritt Centennials to withdraw from BCHL; expansion Centennials to join KIJHL

Mar 31, 2024 | 11:22 AM

MERRITT — The Merritt Centennials are withdrawing from the B.C. Hockey League at the end of this season, according to a club press release on Sunday (March 31).

Meanwhile, the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League announced on Sunday the expansion Merritt Centennials will join their circuit in time for the 2024-2025 season.

“The board members past and present have worked extremely hard to maintain 51 continuous years of operation in the BCHL, but have finally conceded that continuing into the future is no longer viable,” reads the press release published on Sunday  on the BCHL Centennials’ website.

“We are confident that the current players and staff can have a great run into the upcoming playoffs. To our community, we hope you will attend over the playoffs and we fill the barn in celebration and pride to the end of 51 hard fought years.”

The KIJHL Centennials will play out of the 1,000-seat Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, with the team’s ownership group having secured a new five-year lease agreement for the facility.

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“Merritt’s expansion application was approved unanimously by the KIJHL’s Board of Governors, and will see the longstanding Junior A club move from community to private ownership under the leadership of Brad Anstey and Daniel Schofield,” reads a KIJHL press release. “The team will join the Bill Ohlhausen Division, taking the place of the Summerland Steam following that franchise’s relocation to Williams Lake.”